Microwave Mentality: Heats Up Fast with a Two-Way Swag"

Luke Friese

Twitter: @friese_luke

Instagram: @l@uketfriese

Class of 2026 | 5’11, 150 lbs

Schaeffer Academy (MN)

When it comes to electric guards who can change the entire tempo of a game in seconds, Luke fits the bill and then some. He is a dynamic playmaker with wicked speed, fearless confidence, and shifty footwork, he’s the kind of hooper that keeps defenders guessing and fans on their feet. Explosive off the bounce, he attacks closeouts with fire, gets downhill in a flash, and has the kind of sick handles that make help-side defenders sweat. Luke is a prolific three-level scorer with a beautiful touch from deep, a smooth midrange pull-up, and the body control to finish through contact at the rim. But don’t let the size fool you—this 5’11 dynamite two-way stud plays with the heart of a giant. He's crafty, calculating, and cold-blooded with the rock. Whether it’s slicing through defenders with a Euro-step or dropping dimes with flair, he plays with a fearless edge that’s impossible to ignore. On defense, he’s a tenacious on-ball pest who can lock in, force turnovers, and spark transition buckets. There’s flash, but there’s also fire, and Luke brings both, every possession. The saying dynamite comes in small packages has a photo of Luke next to it.

Luke lit it up this season, averaging 20.9 points per game while dishing out 3.2 assists, swiping 2.1 steals, and showing he's more than just a bucket. His most explosive moment was a jaw-dropping 40-point game where he also eclipsed 1,000 career points. An electric performance that speaks to just how deadly he can be when he catches fire. One of his biggest improvements this year was his elevated playmaking under pressure, evolving into a stronger leader who controls tempo and reads the floor with poise. Now, he's zeroing in on getting physically stronger and becoming a pure knockdown shooter. These goals match his relentless drive. His motivation runs deep, fueled by the adrenaline that courses through him in high-pressure moments. That feeling locks him in and turns him into a different beast, one that thrives when the lights are brightest.

This spring and summer, Luke will be playing with MN Lighting out of Rochester, MN, which is a perfect match for a guard of his caliber and style. His eyes are locked on the PrepHoops Tournament in the Twin Cities, a proving ground where he plans to keep making noise and work on expanding his shot-creation bag. He's chasing growth, chemistry, and a deeper playoff push with his school squad next year. But right now, it’s about putting on for MN Lighting and continuing to level up every rep, every run, every possession.

Off the court, Luke enjoys time to reset, kick back, and recharge, but the fire never fully cools. What fuels him is deeper than the game; it’s the thrill of the moment, the intensity of competition, and the constant chase to be better than he was the day before. When facing adversity, Luke doesn't flinch. He stays calm, addresses the issue, and attacks the next play with the same fierceness that defines his game. The best advice he ever received is “play your own game and let the game come to you”. Luke has taken that to heart. He’s learned to trust his instincts, tune out the noise, and go to work.

I assess that Luke is the definition of a problem with the ball in his hands. He’s a dynamic scorer, shifty and explosive, with a deep bag of tricks that makes him hard to stay in front of. His touch from deep is smooth, his footwork is crafty, and he knows how to manipulate defenders to create space. His confidence as a playmaker continues to rise, and his leadership, both vocal and by example, which gives him added value on and off the floor. On the defensive end, he’s quick, feisty, and reads passing lanes well. For college programs, Luke brings a fearless, high-octane energy that could instantly lift a roster, especially one looking for a tough shot-maker and a dynamic floor general who doesn’t back down from any matchup.

Expect Luke to stay hot with his microwave mentality and all. His ceiling is sky-high, and his fire is only growing stronger. With continued strength development and polish as a shot creator, he has all the tools to be a serious impact player at the next level. This is a guard who plays fast, thinks faster, and is always in attack mode. The future is bright, and Luke’s just getting warmed up. Stay tuned.