Buckets In The Big Red: Arena Basketball Club

The Prep Hoops Circuit is headed to Lincoln, Nebraska this weekend for Buckets In The Big Red. The Arena Basketball Club is out of Sioux City, IA and they will be well represented in Lincoln in the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. Let’s take a look at “Players to Watch” from Arena Basketball Club for Buckets In The Big Red. 

Arena Basketball Club – Player Watchlist

Brandt Van Dyke Brandt Van Dyke 6'8" | PF Sioux City East | 2023 State IA (2023) |6’7 F| Sioux City East – Arena Basketball Club 17U Blue

He is an intriguing 6’7″ forward that can play all positions. Brandt has the ability to shoot the 3-ball, as well as facilitate from the post. He is a tough cover! Brandt’s physicality has improved, thanks to the weight room. He had a great weekend at the Midwest Showdown and you should expect more of the same at Buckets In The Big Red. 

Zach Lutmer Zach Lutmer 6'1" | PG Central Lyon | 2023 IA (2023) |6’1 G| Central Lyon – Arena Basketball Club 17U Blue

He is a star football player and an Iowa commit for the gridiron. Lutmer is also a standout on the hardwood, do not miss out on watching this special athlete this weekend. Zach runs the point very efficiently and he knows how to get his teammates involved. Lutmer does a great job in the pick-n-roll game. He is also a standout finisher around the rim. I am excited to see this D1 athlete in Lincoln.

Preston Dobbs Preston Dobbs 6'5" | SF Sioux City East | 2023 State IA (2023) |6’4 SF| Sioux City East – Arena Basketball Club 17U Blue

He is a good-sized wing with 6’4″ length and a nice frame. Dobbs is also an impressive athlete. He is super efficient, this sets him apart from other prospects. Every coach loves efficiency! Preston is constantly working around the glass and he creates many extra opportunities for his team by grabbing O-boards.  

Tate Vanregenmorter (2023) |6’5 F| Western Christian – Arena Basketball Club 17U Blue

He is a Jack of all trades and a do-it-all player for Arena Basketball. Tate is a 6’5″ Swiss Army Knife. He is an extremely tough and gritty kid. Tate can play inside and out and shine all over the court. He plays smart and always makes the correct play. Tate can also shoot it impressively from the perimeter. 

Lamarion Mothershead (2023) |6’5 F| Sioux City East – Arena Basketball Club 17U Black

He has a very nice 6’5″ athletic frame. Lamarion can really fill it up with his shooting ability. Wait until you see him shoot, you will be impressed! Lamarion is also an outstanding defender with impressive athleticism and length. He blocks shots and takes up passing lanes. Mothershead is an intriguing player. 

Sam Faldmo (2023) |6’3 G/F| Dakota Valley – Arena Basketball Club 17U Black

The easiest thing to say about Sam in that this kid is a winner! He took care of the State Championship in high school ball with Dakota Valley. Expect plenty more wins in the AAU season when Faldmo is on the court. He plays with an extremely high hoops IQ and Sam will do whatever his team needs. Faldmo can shine as a scorer, a rebounder, and a top-notch defender. He is also an excellent screener and team player. Sam can do it all. 

Jaxon Hennies (2023) |6’1 G| Dakota Valley – Arena Basketball Club 17U Black

He is another gamer from the highly successful Dakota Valley program. Hennies has that chip on his shoulder and a little fire that separates him from guards that are similar to him. Jaxon is an all-around player that can do whatever is asked of him. He shoots it well, scores off the bounce, and is a tough defender. He knows how to win, that is for sure! Hennies was a key player for the undefeated Panthers in the high school season. 

Zach Hesse Zach Hesse 6'3" | SG Sioux City North | 2024 State IA (2024) |6’3 G| Sioux City North – Arena Basketball Club 16U Blue

He is a “3 and D” guy and it seems like college coaches love these types of players. Zach plays bigger than his size and he often plays the role of a difference-maker. Hesse shoots the ball at a high clip and he does not need much room to get his good-looking shot off. Once he gets rolling, look out! Zach will change the game in a hurry.

Fitzgerald Grant Fitzgerald Grant 6'2" | SG Sioux City East | 2024 State IA (2024) |6’1 G| Sioux City East – Arena Basketball Club 16U Blue

He is a lefty wing that can make plays all over the court. Grant is explosive and smooth. He is very effective in transition. Fitzy has made some really big strides this year. Grant does a nice job of getting into the paint to create good looks for himself and his teammates. He plays with a ton of NRG and I can’t wait to see him play in Nebraska. 

Karsten Moret (2025) |6’2 G| Western Christian – Arena Basketball Club 15U Blue

Look for a big weekend from Moret! Kaden Van Regenmorter Kaden Van Regenmorter 6'3" | SF Hull, Western Christian | 2025 State IA and Sam Schmillen will be out this tournament so you should expect Karsten to be carrying the load for this Arena Basketball Club squad. As a 6’2″ wing this kid can be a sniper from the perimeter and a pest on the defensive side of the ball. Moret has great hands and he will create many turnovers. Karsten is also a very nice finisher in transition. 

Kolton Smit (2025) |6’0 G| Unity – Arena Basketball Club 15U Black

His motor never stops, which is rare to see these days! Kolton can really shoot it from beyond the arc. When he gets to his hot-spot, look out! On defense, Smit will wear down opposing players with intensity and never-ending effort.