Wolfpack's Jarek Erickson Named Class D2 Player of the Year

Erickson is the first Wolfpack player to receive the prestigious honor.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:08pm

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Jarek Erickson, a standout senior on the Wolfpack basketball team, has been named the Nebpreps Class D2 Player of the Year. Erickson led the Wolfpack to the state runner-up trophy this season, averaging 16.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He recorded 12 double-doubles during the regular season and raised his level of play in the postseason, averaging 21 points and over 10 rebounds per game.

Why it matters

Erickson's selection as the Class D2 Player of the Year is a significant achievement for the Wolfpack program, as he is the first player from the school to ever receive this prestigious honor. His outstanding performance and leadership were instrumental in the team's historic season, and this award recognizes his individual excellence and the hard work he and his teammates put in throughout the year.

The details

Erickson, a four-year standout for the Wolfpack, helped lead the team to the Class D2 State Basketball Tournament twice during his career. This season, he was named to the D2 All-Tournament team after the Wolfpack finished as state runners-up. Erickson was selected over several other top players in Class D2, including Ben Barlow of O'Neill St. Mary's, Luke Guenther of GACC, and Brenden Johannes of Archangels Catholic.

  • Erickson was named the Nebpreps Class D2 Player of the Year on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • During the 2025-26 season, Erickson averaged 16.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
  • Erickson recorded 12 double-doubles (points/rebounds) during the regular season.
  • In the postseason (sub-district, district, and state tournament), Erickson averaged 21 points, over 10 rebounds, and nearly 4 assists per game.

The players

Jarek Erickson

A standout senior on the Wolfpack basketball team who was named the Nebpreps Class D2 Player of the Year. Erickson led the Wolfpack to the state runner-up trophy this season, averaging a double-double and raising his level of play in the postseason.

Ben Barlow

A junior basketball player at O'Neill St. Mary's who was one of the other top players considered for the Class D2 Player of the Year award.

Luke Guenther

A junior basketball player at GACC who was one of the other top players considered for the Class D2 Player of the Year award.

Brenden Johannes

A senior basketball player at Archangels Catholic who was one of the other top players considered for the Class D2 Player of the Year award.

Matt Euse

The head coach of the Wolfpack basketball team, who said that having Erickson on the court was like having another coach.

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What they’re saying

“It is such an honor receiving that award. Some people don't really realize how much preparation goes into not just the games themselves but into the entire season. My teammates, me, and my coaches put in so much behind the scenes work like shooting for hours upon hours in the gym and lifting weights and watching film, and it is an amazing feeling knowing that all that hard work payed off for not only me but the entire team. I couldn't have done it without them all. I am proud of myself for working as hard as I did but I couldn't be more proud of the effort everyone alongside me put in as well, and that dedication is what stands out to me the most.”

— Jarek Erickson, Wolfpack Basketball Player

What’s next

Erickson is expected to receive additional postseason awards in the coming weeks for his standout senior season.

The takeaway

Jarek Erickson's selection as the Nebpreps Class D2 Player of the Year is a significant milestone for the Wolfpack basketball program, as he is the first player from the school to ever receive this prestigious honor. His exceptional performance and leadership were instrumental in the team's historic season, and this award recognizes his individual excellence and the dedication of the entire Wolfpack squad.