Battle at the Lakes: Iowa’s 15u Preview
The mighty Battle at the Lakes is back! And as the case has been each time we’ve covered it, this year’s edition of “Battle” is bigger and better than ever. It’s of particular interest for us here at Prep Hoops…
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Continue ReadingThe mighty Battle at the Lakes is back! And as the case has been each time we’ve covered it, this year’s edition of “Battle” is bigger and better than ever. It’s of particular interest for us here at Prep Hoops Iowa, as plenty of the state’s top programs, and subsequently its best players, will be heading north this weekend. We’ll be there to soak it all in. Below are the 15u teams making the trek, and ten players that should turn some heads in Minneapolis.
Regional Division: Beyond Ball Next Up, Central Iowa Young Guns, Iowa Mavs-Squiers, Iowa United Select, Beyond Ball Grind
National Division: All Iowa Attack, Beyond Ball 24k, Iowa Barnstormers Black, Iowa Barnstormers Gold, Iowa Mavs-Elgin, Iowa Mavs-Julien, Martin Bros, Team Iowa
Players to Watch
Omaha Biliew (photo: Courtside Films)
Omaha Biliew, 6’8 F (Beyond Ball 24k)
In five years of Prep Hoops Iowa, we’ve never seen a middle school player generate as much buzz as Biliew has. Big, versatile, skilled and athletic, Biliew has been garnering tons of attention this spring, with some publications claiming him as a top eighth-grader (Class of 2023) in the country. Needless to say, we’re eager to get a look at him this weekend as he plays up with the 2022 guys on Beyond Ball 24k.
Cole Glasgow, 6’1 G (All Iowa Attack)
The Dallas Center-Grimes freshman headlines a talented All Iowa Attack unit that could make a lot of noise this weekend. He’s known for his shooting, but if the shot’s not dropping, he’s more than capable of getting to the rack.
Josh Dix, 6’2 SG (Iowa Barnstormers Gold)
We’re interested to see this Iowa Barnstormers top squad this weekend, and this Council Bluffs Lincoln sharpshooter is a big reason why. He was statistically one of the best freshmen in Iowa last season, averaging 10.2 points and shooting a blistering 52% from deep.
Carson Toebe
Carson Toebe, 6’2 PG (Iowa Barnstormers Gold)
He was the starting point guard for Class 3A state qualifier Clear Lake last winter, so we got a good look at Toebe during the state tournament. He thoroughly impressed. Now, he’s ballin’ with one of the state’s best 15u teams, and could turn a lot of heads this weekend with his advanced skill-set.
Zach Erwin, 6’3 G/F (Iowa Mavericks-Elgin)
One of the more versatile threats we’ve seen from Iowa’s freshman class, Erwin is a guy that can get it done from anywhere on the court, and has shown an ability to defend multiple positions as well. He averaged 5.1 points last season for Camanche.
Ryan Dolphin, 5’7 G (Iowa Mavericks-Elgin)
He’s small, but makes up for the lack of height with some slick handles and precision shooting. The Pleasant Valley product is the engine for the Iowa Mavericks’ top 15u unit, and is one of those guys that’s just fun to watch. Expect some razzle-dazzle from Dolphin this weekend.
Lucas Lorenzen
Lucas Lorenzen, 6’3 G/F (Martin Bros)
Versatility is the key for Lorenzen, who’s a guy that spent most of his younger days playing point guard, but manned the post plenty for Okoboji last season as a freshman. He’ll be one of the better scorers fro Martin Bros, and he’ll make his presence felt offensively from all three levels.
Gabe Burkle, 6’6 C (Martin Bros)
A steady force in the paint, Burkle, a Cedar Rapids Prairie product, is a guy that just gets the job done. He’s not one to leave the paint, and why should he when he’s able to put in buckets as reliably and efficiently as he can around the hoop.
Corey Phillips
Corey Phillips, 6’5 PF (All Iowa Attack)
We’ve been very impressed with this big yet agile power forward in our few viewings over the past two months. He’s got a lot of meat on his bones, but still can get up and play at or above the rim. And he’s got a sweet stroke from deep, too. This Ames freshman is a dynamic player.
Jevin Sullivan, 6′ G (Beyond Ball 24k)
Ever since our Top 250 Expo this North Polk freshman has been firmly on our radar. He was terrific at the event, and not surprisingly followed it up by spending his winter making a big impact with the Comets’ varsity. He’s got a nice handle and sweet jumper, he’s just smooth.