20 Difference-Makers: Battle at the Lakes Powered by Dr. Dish

<a href="https://x.com/DaksHoops">@DaksHoops</a> is taking a look back at an outstanding weekend at Battle at the Lakes, where talent from across the Midwest competed at a high level and delivered plenty of memorable performances. The event featured intense matchups, nonstop energy, and players who consistently stepped up when their teams needed them most. Now, we're spotlighting the true Difference-Makers — the hoopers whose effort, toughness, skill, and winning plays helped separate them throughout the weekend.   So, what makes a player a Difference-Maker? It goes far beyond scoring points, although putting the ball in the basket certainly matters. These are the players who impact the game in multiple ways — whether it's defending at a high level, controlling the glass, making the extra pass, diving for loose balls, bringing energy, or making timely plays in key moments. They may not always lead the box score, but their presence is felt every time they step on the floor, and they consistently help elevate their teams on both ends of the court.   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_dbc01f.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_dbc01f.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3635031" style="width:272px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Difference-Makers    Mr. Bruns was a difference-maker on the offensive side of the ball. He consistently filled up the basket throughout the weekend. Aaron is a knockdown shooter and a playmaker with the ball.     Shoot360 went undefeated (4-0) at Battle and AJ was a huge part of that success. McDonagh averaged 17 points per game and 6.5 rpg. He was playing up an age group and still had zero problem producing.     He had a huge weekend while stepping into a starting role. One of the Sixers starters went down with an injury and Ayden came in as a difference-maker. He showed out on offense as a scorer and played overall high-level basketball.     Boche was a major playmaker this past weekend and a key reason Warwick finished with a perfect 4-0 record. Knight did all the little things that help winning teams succeed, especially with the way he fueled Warwick's up-tempo style of play. His ability to secure outlets and quickly get the offense flowing allowed Warwick to consistently push tempo and put pressure on opposing defenses. Defensively, Boche was scrappy and disruptive, making plays in the passing lanes and attacking loose ball opportunities whenever opponents put the ball on the floor. His energy, instincts, and playmaking ability helped Warwick play fast and confidently throughout the weekend, making Knight one of the true Difference-Makers.     Jewett put together a really strong weekend and played a major role in helping his team finish with a perfect 4-0 record. In Warwick's toughest matchup of the weekend against Wear Out the Net, Brady stepped up in winning time by knocking down tough shots and calmly hitting big free throws to help secure the hard-fought victory. Jewett consistently delivered when his team needed him most and showed the ability to make clutch plays under pressure. His toughness, confidence, and timely scoring made him a key Difference-Maker throughout the weekend and an important piece of his team's success at Battle at the Lakes.     Kerzmann proved to be a major difference-maker this past weekend while helping Bearstail roll to a perfect 4-0 record. Although most of the wins were lopsided, Brady stepped up in the biggest moments during their most competitive game. When his team needed timely offense, Brady delivered by knocking down three huge triples that helped swing momentum. He also brought relentless energy on the offensive glass, creating extra possessions and consistently making hustle plays. Kerzmann finished the game with an easy Double-Double and played a huge role in Bearstail's successful weekend with his toughness, effort, and ability to make winning plays.     Bryer put together a really solid weekend at Battle at the Lakes and showed noticeable growth in multiple areas of his game. His improvement around the basket stood out, as he looked more polished operating in the paint with impressive footwork and a soft touch finishing inside. Mattern also appeared stronger physically, and that added strength showed up defensively. Opposing players tried to back him down, but Bryer held his ground and competed with toughness throughout the weekend. With the improvements in his interior game, footwork, and physicality, Mattern's game is definitely trending in the right direction.     Collin was a difference-maker at #PHBATL because of the way he impacted the game on both ends. He adds great length to his team's speed and athleticism, and his presence around the rim gives his squad another level defensively. Weier did an excellent job protecting the paint, competing inside, and making tough plays that helped his team control momentum throughout the weekend. What really stands out about Weier is his 2-way impact and team 1st mentality. He's unselfish, gritty, and always seems to make timely plays when his team needs them most. Whether it's defending, finishing around the basket, rebounding, or simply doing the little things that lead to winning basketball, Collin consistently found ways to help his team succeed.     Fox stood out with his high motor/energy/effort, he moves very well. Creed kept the ball alive on O-rebounds and was not afraid to dive on the floor for loose balls. His length caused problems on the defensive end.     This kid deserves some recognition and exposure. Gabe played outstanding basketball. He had four 20+ point games!     He proved why he is one of the top shooters in the 2029 class. In one game, Landry went off for 29 points and he was super efficient, going 10/11 from the field, 2/2 from FT, and 7/8 from beyond the arc. Rham was smoking hot all weekend and nailed multiple triples in each game.     Lucas continued his strong spring this past weekend and played a big role in helping his team earn a perfect 4-0 record. Despite being an All-State caliber player coming off the bench, Pesky consistently made a huge impact with his scoring, toughness, and 2-way play. The smooth-shooting Shark knocked down shots at a high level all weekend and was outstanding attacking off the bounce, getting by defenders and finishing at the rim. Defensively, his physical presence on the perimeter helped create transition opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Pesky's ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor made him one of the key Difference-Makers during the weekend.     Heier was a major difference-maker this past weekend, helping lead his team to an undefeated 4-0 record with his offensive production and overall feel for the game. Hayden did an outstanding job contributing on offense and consistently putting pressure on defenses with his ability to create and capitalize on quality scoring opportunities. What makes Hayden so tough to defend is his ability to score at all three levels. He punishes defenses for overhelping or switching by finding great in-system shots, whether in transition or in the half-court. His combination of shot-making, decision-making, and offensive versatility allowed him to control the flow of games and play a huge role in his team's successful weekend. Hayden also struck me as a lights-out shooter.     His height and build demand attention. Voight runs the floor well and attracts many double teams on the inside. He also drew many fouls and shot a ton of FT's. Landon was a difference-maker with his great rim protection from the weak side of the defense.     He shot the ball at a high level from three-point land this weekend. Marshall has a quick release, a great shot fake, and a nifty one-dribble side-step move. He helped spread the opponent's defense and was a difference maker for SSA.     I like this kid's game. James is a difference-maker. He played lockdown defense at Battle. Micah was a pest against the opposing ball handlers as soon as the outlet was made. He also created a ton of fast-break opportunities for his teammates.     Hauser did all the little things for his squad. Taj played high-level defense, passed others open, and dished a high number of assists. He played well every game while making winning plays.     The future D1 athlete led his squad to a perfect 4-0 record. Barman was a beast all over the court. He put a ton of pressure on the defense by always being in "attack mode". Ty was in the paint early and often. In one game, Barman shot an impressive 12 free-throws. That is very rare in club basketball!    Devin VanderMeer & Tate Edmondson 7070 Athletics 16U Elite   These two defended really well at Battle. Devin and Tate also did great work at keeping their teammates involved on the offensive end. They always made the right reads with the ball. Devin and Tate beat defenders off the dribble and took advantage of space by knocking down jumpers.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_141069.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_141069.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3635033" /></a></figure>

@DaksHoops is taking a look back at an outstanding weekend at Battle at the Lakes, where talent from across the Midwest competed at a high level and delivered plenty of memorable performances. The event featured intense matchups, nonstop energy, and players who consistently stepped up when their teams needed them most. Now, we're spotlighting the true Difference-Makers — the hoopers whose effort, toughness, skill, and winning plays helped separate them throughout the weekend.