Marquette, MI – December 15th, 2025 – The Ishpeming Hematites will host the Iron Mountain Mountaineers tonight as they look to snap a seven-year losing streak. The last Hematites victory over Iron Mountain came on February 21, 2018, when Ishpeming earned a 53–47 win.
For much of that stretch, longtime Iron Mountain head coach Harvey “Bucky” Johnson had Ishpeming’s number; however, the matchup takes on a new look this season following Johnson’s retirement. During his tenure, Johnson compiled a remarkable 392–170 record, guided the Mountaineers to two state title game appearances in 2019 and 2021, captured 17 conference championships, and had the unique opportunity to coach both of his sons. In the later years of his career, he was joined on the bench by sons Marcus and Kyle.
Now, the torch has been passed. Kyle Johnson steps into the head varsity coaching role, with Bucky remaining involved as a volunteer assistant to help guide his son. This year’s Iron Mountain squad also looks much different after graduating a core group of multi-year varsity contributors, including Oskar Kangas, now playing at Wisconsin–Oshkosh, along with Gerald Sampoll-Torres, Evan Copley, Ian Marttila, and Aiden Ellis. The Mountaineers enter tonight’s contest with a 2–3 record and will be looking to keep the streak alive.
Meanwhile, the Hematites are in year two under head coach Paige Yoho. Ishpeming finished last season 13–11 and fell in the district final to Westwood, 71–52. Like Iron Mountain, the Hematites are adjusting after key departures, most notably Caden Luoma, who is now playing at Gogebic Community College, along with fellow seniors Ethan Corp, Michael Pascoe, Levi Nicholls, and Mason Bancroft.
John Wheeler and Kenny Ambuehl have stepped into expanded roles, helping Ishpeming to a strong 2–1 start. The Hematites will look to build on that momentum and finally end the drought against the Mountaineers. Tip-off begins with junior varsity action at 5:45 p.m., followed by the varsity matchup at the Ishpeming gymnasium. If you can’t make it in person, Tyler Young and Bob Nadeau will have the call live on WRUP 98.3 starting around 7:00 p.m.
