The Next Level Basketball Academy 15U: Breakdown
Today we are looking at the young talent that NLBA has to offer. They have players on this roster from both Minnesota and North Dakota. I watched this squad play multiple times on the Prep Hoops Circuit and they have…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingToday we are looking at the young talent that NLBA has to offer. They have players on this roster from both Minnesota and North Dakota. I watched this squad play multiple times on the Prep Hoops Circuit and they have plenty of talent to get excited about!
This group of up-and-comers had a fun AAU season and they continue to develop as players. Most of the guys have been in the NLBA program for multiple years and only getting better as a result of that. This NLBA squad had a successful season and they won a tournament down in Sioux Falls at Augustana University. Read below for player comments on The Next Level Basketball Academy 15U team.
15U Roster & Player Comments
Joseph Gomez Joseph Gomez 5'8" | CG Wahpeton | 2025 State ND |5’7 G| Wahpeton
A lefty combo guard that is shifty off the bounce. Gomez does a nice job as a PG and he can make positive things happen on the wing. He plays with a calm demenor and a natural feel for the game. Gomez can score in traffic and his jump shot has improved throughout the season. Joseph sees the floor well and this Huskie has the potential to be a serious varsity player in the future.
Luke Motteberg Luke Motteberg 6'3" | SF Fargo Shanley | 2026 State ND (2026) |6’2 G| Shanley
This youngster played up an age level, Luke will be a freshmen this fall. Throughout the AAU season, he improved physically. Motteberg stood out as a productive rebounder from the guard position. Luke defended well on the perimeter. His court vision is noteworthy. The young Deacon has a nice future in hoops.
Hayden Leiser |5’8 G| Moorhead
He was productive in catch-n-shoot 3 point situations. Hayden is a scrappy defender on-ball. He created problems in the fullcourt press. He is a great kid, good listener and an excellent teammate. Leiser always has phenomenal body language.
Bjorn Kubela Bjorn Kubela 6'0" | SG Wahpeton | 2025 State ND |5’9 G| Wahpeton
He and Gomez form a dynamic duo as they are both Huskie’s from Wahpeton. Kubela is a knockdown 3 point shooter and his range extends out to the volleyball line. Bjorn is a long armed guard that is creative off the bounce. He is always cheering on his teammates with a positive attitude. Kubela is another great player to have in the NLBA program.
Isaac Beauchamp Isaac Beauchamp 6'1" | PG Shanley | 2025 State ND |5’9 G| Shanley
He is a floor general and Isaac is a point guard of the future. He is skilled with the ball in his hands and can score from all levels. Beauchamp has a smooth mid-range jumper and he scores well at the rim. He plays his heart out and leaves it all on the floor. Isaac is a fierce competitor that plays with a chip on his shoulder. Don’t loose track of this stud from Shanley.
Shawn Kotrba Shawn Kotrba 5'11" | PF Fargo Shanley | 2026 State ND (2026) |5’9 G| Shanley
He was also playing up an age level and is a 2026 player. His nickname is the “Muscle Man”, Shawn lives in the weight room and is always working hard. He is a “center” in football and that translates well to the basketball court becuase Kotrba is a physical player. He is always diving on the floor for the ball as if it was a fumble. They love his effort, NRG, and enthusiasm at NLBA! Shawn also rebounds hard and he is never afraid to ask questions. On the offensive end, Kotrba looked good spotting up and hitting 3’s this season.
Alex Wetterlin Alex Wetterlin 6'5" | PF West Fargo | 2025 State ND |6’3 SF| West Fargo
I watched him shoot it hot in Minneapolis this summer. When NLBA needed a 3-ball or a big bucket, they looked for Wetterlin. He is not just a shooter, Alex also did work off the bounce and he can finish in the low post. When teams would zone NLBA, Alex could play the role of a zone-buster from the beyond the arc. He also is a great cutter, I loved how he cut from behind the defense. When he receives the pass in the high post, Alex can score and create for others. I watched him make many nice passes to teammates through the zone. I am interested to see if he can get in the rotation on varsity this year for the Packers.
Luke Warner Luke Warner 6'11" | C Shanley | 2025 State ND |6’7 F| Shanley
“Big Luke” has a ton of potential with his size. Warner gives NLBA a strong post presence on offense and defense. Luke showed nice offensive moves around the basket and those are always improving. The Deacon rebounded the ball well on both ends. Warner was also productive as a shot changer/alterer. At his size, he does not need to block a bunch of shots. Going “straight up” and not fouling will still have an impact on the game.
Carter Rahn Carter Rahn 6'3" | PF West Fargo | 2025 State ND |6’3 F| West Fargo
He is a blue-collar and hard-nosed player. Every good team needs a player like Rahn. He is not afraid to do the dirty work. Carter will do all the things that do not show up on the stat sheet. He also finishes well around the rim. Rahn and Wetterlin have great chemistry and they work well together. They can be a tough tandem for opposing teams to handle.
Nathan Shouse |5’9 G| Detroit Lakes
He played solid perimeter defense for NLBA during the AAU season. Nathan as a team first player and a glue guy. Shouse plays with high amounts of energy and effort. He is a another quality player and a great kid to have in the program for NLBA.
Rylan Gravos |6’1 G| East Grand Forks
He stood out as an extremely hard worker for NLBA. Rylan gives maximum effort 100% of the time. He is a great teammate that will do anything to help his squad out. He stood out as an efficient finisher in transition. This Green Wave player has plenty of potential.