17's Watchlist: Battle At The Lakes

Battle At The Lakes tips off this weekend in Minnesota, and it's shaping up to be one of the premier stops on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Year in and year out, this event brings together high-level talent, strong programs, and competitive matchups from across the region.   In this piece, we're zeroing in on the 17U division, where some of the top prospects from Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota will be on display. With a deep pool of talent and plenty of players looking to make a statement, this age group should be one to watch all weekend long.   Take a look below as we highlight some of the names to know heading into Battle At The Lakes.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/Battle-at-the-Lakes.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/Battle-at-the-Lakes.png?w=931" alt="" class="wp-image-592620" style="width:424px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-3621958" style="width:188px;height:auto" /></a></figure>    Wassenaar is a player to watch this weekend, even without a spring evaluation yet. Coming off an All-State high school season, he's already proven his ability to produce at a high leveland the buzz around him continues to grow. With multiple college offers and strong interest from programs, Brant brings an appealing blend of size, skill, athleticism, and playmaking versatility. He has the tools to impact the game in a variety of ways and fits the mold of a modern, do-it-all player. With his resume, physical tools, and growing college attention, Brant is a priority evaluation this weekend and a prospect that coaches will want to get eyes on.     Mr. Gaustad is a player to watch thanks to the immediate impact he makes with his size and length. He stands out right away, but it's his skill set that really separates him. Gaustad is comfortable playing inside and out, shoots the ball at a high level, and shows strong vision as a passer. His footwork is advanced, allowing him to create space and finish with a soft touch around the rim. On the defensive end, he's just as impactful, using his length to protect the rim and alter shots while changing the flow of the game. Gaustad's combination of size, skill, and defensive presence makes him a versatile difference-maker who can impact both ends of the floor in a big way.     [player_tooltip player_id='2076018' first='Connor' last='Mebius'] is a name to keep an eye on this weekend in Minnesota, as he continues to prove he's a true competitor and playmaker. A flat-out winner, Mebius brings a complete skill set to the floor, blending scoring ability with high-level vision and feel. He's quick, plays with edge, and competes with a toughness that stands out. Mebius can score at all three levels, but what separates him is his ability to create for others, delivering sharp reads and touch passes that elevate his team's offense. His energy and grit show up in every possession, making him a constant factor in the game. Meebs combination of skill, toughness, and playmaking ability allows him to impact the game in multiple ways and makes him the type of player who can take over when it matters most.     Mr. Shawd is a player to watch thanks to his ability to flat-out score the basketball. A true bucket-getter, Shawd can produce from all three levels and has a natural feel for putting the ball in the hoop. He plays with confidence and isn't afraid of big moments, showing a fearless approach every time he steps on the floor. Beyond scoring, Shawd has the ability to create for both himself and others, making him a strong lead guard option. He has good size for the position, but it's his shot-making and offensive instincts that really separate him. Shawd's scoring ability, confidence, and playmaking give him the tools to take over games and make him a guard with clear next-level potential.     Lorenson is a name that continues to gain traction, and for good reason. The Minnesota native, who runs with the Playmakers, brings a unique blend of length, athleticism, and versatility that makes him a tough matchup across the board. Lorenson impacts the game in multiple ways, whether he's finishing above the rim, scoring from different spots on the floor, or using his length to disrupt opponents. He's comfortable playing inside or out, giving his team flexibility and a consistent two-way presence. His ability to make plays without needing the ball to stick also stands out. With college offers already on the table and more attention coming his way, Lorenson has firmly put himself on the radar. His combination of size, versatility, and athleticism, paired with growing college interest, makes him a high-impact player who can change the game in a variety of ways.     Izayah Cook is a must-watch heading into Battle At The Lakes after a huge showing at the Scheels event. The Wayzata and MN Heat GVR standout was extremely tough to contain, especially in the open floor, where his athleticism and speed took over games. Cook is a dynamic playmaker who can put pressure on defenses in a hurry. He thrives in transition, finishes above the rim, and has the ability to pile up points in bunches. Beyond the scoring, he brings an energy and explosiveness that can completely shift momentum. Cook's elite athleticism and ability to dominate in the open court make him a constant highlight threatand a player capable of taking over games at any moment.     Jyles is a player to watch this weekend, especially for those who appreciate toughness and physicality in the paint. The Tornado big man immediately stands out with his size and strong build, and he uses it to his advantage on every possession. Meier is an absolute force on the glass, consistently battling for rebounds and controlling the interior. He plays with an edge, embraces contact, and sets the tone with his physical presence. Beyond that, his interior passing ability adds another layer to his game, showing he can make smart plays out of the post. Meier's rebounding, toughness, and ability to dominate the paint make him a difference-maker and the kind of player who can change the flow of a game with his physicality alone.     OT is coming off a huge weekend and is firmly a player to watch. He shot an impressive 56.3% from three (18 3FGM) against high-level competition at the Scheels event, earning All-Tournament Team honors while helping Phenom go 5-0 and capture the Championship. Little Larry brings a strong blend of skill, IQ, length, and versatility to the floor, but what really stands out is his ability to stretch defenses with consistent shooting. He plays with confidence, makes smart decisions, and contributes to winning in a variety of ways. We also like his finishing and all-around defense. With his combination of size, shooting ability, and feel for the game, Terras checks a lot of boxes that college coaches value. His performance and upward trajectory make him a prospect that should be getting serious attention.     Teelan is a player to watch after establishing himself as an All-State standout in South Dakota and carrying that momentum into the spring. A true playmaker, he brings a high motor and a sharp, well-rounded skill set that shows up on both ends of the floor. Kjerstad plays with a toughness that stands out, competing every possession and impacting the game in multiple ways. Offensively, he can create, score, and make plays for others, while defensively, he brings energy and physicality. There's an edge and confidence to how he plays that you can't ignore. Kjerstad's combination of toughness, skill, and competitiveness, along with a strong start to the spring with [program_tooltip program_id='2075302' first='Sacred' last='Hoops'], makes him an emerging prospect who can take over games and continue to raise his stock with college coaches.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/circuit-logo_b3ebdf80-crop-2021x1327-1773331424.webp"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/circuit-logo_b3ebdf80-crop-2021x1327-1773331424.webp?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3554001" /></a></figure>

Battle At The Lakes tips off this weekend in Minnesota, and it's shaping up to be one of the premier stops on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Year in and year out, this event brings together high-level talent, strong programs, and competitive matchups from across the region.