12 Playmakers: Battle at the Lakes Powered by Dr. Dish

<a href="https://x.com/DaksHoops">@DaksHoops</a> is taking a look back at another exciting weekend at Battle at the Lakes, where some of the top talent in the Midwest put on a show in front of packed gyms and strong competition. The event was filled with high-level matchups, intense energy, and players stepping up in key moments throughout the weekend. Now, we're highlighting the true Playmakers — the hoopers who controlled the flow of the game, created opportunities for others, and consistently made winning plays for their teams.   So, what makes someone a true Playmaker? It's about much more than just scoring points. These are the players who make offenses run smoothly, control tempo, create advantages, and elevate everyone around them. Whether it's delivering pinpoint passes, breaking down defenders, making smart reads, pushing the pace, or coming through in clutch moments, these athletes impacted games with their feel, IQ, toughness, and ability to make things happen every time they touched the ball.   Battle at the Lakes is powered by Dr. Dish—the world's #1 selling shooting machine, helping players get 5X more reps and unlock their potential at home. <a href="https://hubs.ly/Q03l3YDy0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click Here to Train Like a Pro</a>.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_45d415.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_45d415.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3636625" style="width:301px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   PLAYMAKERS    This Cowboy stood out as a playmaker with his defense, hustle, energy, and toughness. Sanchez had games where he slowed down and hampered top offensive ballers. He is a quality athlete who is no stranger to making high-level effort plays.     Eythorsson impacted the game in all the little ways that help teams win. He defended multiple positions, brought toughness on the glass, and consistently made hustle plays that don't always show up in the box score. Bikir's physicality and energy gave the team a spark every game. Offensively, he played within himself, moved the ball well, and made timely plays when 24:Up needed them most. He was a consistent competitor throughout the weekend.     Bahr was another huge piece for his team throughout the weekend. Calvin's toughness, versatility, and consistency stood out every game. He made winning plays on both ends, defending, rebounding, communicating, and doing whatever the group needed in the moment. Offensively, he played with confidence, made smart reads, and knocked down timely shots. His composure and ability to impact the game without forcing things were big reasons his team had success throughout the event.     Cam is a tough defender who has had success guarding great players throughout the AAU season. His lateral quickness to stay in front of defenders with his chest was a huge defensive asset for the team at Battle. He beats players through screens with his strength and anticipation of what teams are trying to do. Offensively, he finds teammates and is willing to screen for shooters. Benish is an unselfish playmaker.     Roth is from Janesville Craig and he performed as a playmaker at Battle. He is a great 3-point shooter. Roth is recovering from a shoulder injury, which hampered him somewhat at Hopkins, but he is a threat to go off for 5-6 threes a game. Keep track of this shooter.     Cook was a major difference-maker all weekend. Jayce averaged 17.5 PPG on Day 1 against high-level competition and continued to show why he's one of the better shooters in the region. He shot the lights out from three, stretched defenses with deep range, and made big momentum plays throughout the weekend. Beyond scoring, his IQ and decision-making stood out, making the extra pass, competing defensively, and consistently making winning plays late in games. His ability to control tempo and create spacing changed games for us.     Mr. Meier was a playmaker on the glass. Jyles was a beast on the boards. He gobbled up O-boards and second-chance opportunities all weekend long. Jyles is one tough bugger who plays with heart and muscle. He is big but moves well and has a nose for the ball. Meier is also an unselfish passer and a solid screener.     Diaz from Oregon High School has really developed into more than just a great shooter. His defense continues to get better on and off the ball. His shot-blocking ability was on display at Hopkins late in games. He was making the extra pass to teammates for open shots. He is a matchup problem as he is now a 6-4 guard. Koby has shown signs of scoring more at the rim when mismatches provide the opportunity. He is a great kid who responds positively to being coached.     An athletic 6'1" guard who is developing into a multi-position player. His ability to get downhill or use his speed in transition has boosted his game. Benish is blossoming into a playmaker.     Fait brought tremendous energy and instant offense. Sam had several stretches where he completely changed momentum with his athleticism, transition play, and ability to score in bursts. He embraced tough defensive assignments, competed hard on every possession, and played with a high motor all weekend. What stood out most was his willingness to impact winning however needed, whether it was rebounding, defending, running the floor, or giving the team a scoring punch off momentum plays.     [player_tooltip player_id='2411653' first='Sam' last='Staudinger'] was an absolute force all weekend long and continues to prove why he's one of the hottest stock risers in the rankings. This kid is no midget, Staudinger plays like an animal around the basket and impacts the game with his toughness, motor, and nonstop production. From the looks of it, he may be climbing the rankings once again in the near future. One of Sam's most impressive performances came when he exploded for 23 points and 24 rebounds while shooting 55% from the field. He was a vacuum on the glass all weekend, consistently snagging rebounds and controlling the paint on both ends of the floor. Around the basket, Staudinger is a force to be reckoned with, using his physicality, effort, and instincts to overwhelm opponents and create extra possessions for his team.     Weston was one of the top point guards at the event and is the definition of a true playmaker. “The Great Scott” controls the tempo of the game with confidence and poise, always seeming to make the right read at the correct time. His handles are next-level, allowing him to create space, break down defenders, and keep defenses constantly on their heels. What really separates Weston is his passing ability. He can make every pass in the book from flashy no-look dimes to the simple, smart reads that keep an offense flowing. He plays with toughness, strength, and a high basketball IQ, while consistently delivering timely plays when his team needs them most. Most importantly, Weston makes everyone around him better, and that's why teammates love hooping with The Great Scott.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_36f66a.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_36f66a.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3636626" /></a></figure>

@DaksHoops is taking a look back at another exciting weekend at Battle at the Lakes, where some of the top talent in the Midwest put on a show in front of packed gyms and strong competition. The event was filled with high-level matchups, intense energy, and players stepping up in key moments throughout the weekend. Now, we're highlighting the true Playmakers — the hoopers who controlled the flow of the game, created opportunities for others, and consistently made winning plays for their teams.