Battle at the Lakes: New Names to Know

<p>Who are some of the new names that both you and I should get to know that performed well at the Battle this weekend?  Here’s our group. </p> <p><strong>Jacob Cook</strong> of West Central United (Ashby, 6’6 PF, 2022).  On many nights this winter Jacob Cook lead Ashby - who was ranked number one for several weeks this winter - in scoring.  This weekend we got to see how aggressive Cook is going at the rim and how he likes to use his frame and strong bounce to get to physical finishes and boards.  Active player that enjoys double-doubles both for Ashby and United. </p> <p><strong>Drake Gomez</strong> of E1T1 Premier (Irondale 6’0 SG, 2022).  Drake was the Irondale leading scorer this past season and this weekend his jumpshot had people talking from gym to gym.  Type of player that needs to be located whenever he crosses halfcourt.  Not a big shooting wing so he’s likely learned to shoot with range and this weekend he made shots with range. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1144102" first="Sam" last="Hoffman"]</strong> of WOTN (Farmington 6’3 SG, 2022). Sam entered his junior year with the reputation as a floor spacer.  He did it as a sophomore for the Tigers, knocked out a couple threes a game this year as a junior on average, and this spring he’s been scorching.  On Saturday night we saw Hoffman explode for eight threes including six in the first half.  His 28 points ran the Iowa Mavericks ragged. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1071191" first="Kabine" last="Kaba"] </strong>of Gain Elite (Park Center 6’6 PF, 2022).  Kaba was a senior this past winter playing a reserve role for the Pirates as their 7th/8th Man.  He’s not a new player to the scene but Kaba is a new name to taking over games for a team like he did this weekend.  Kaba - who is reclassifying and will be at a prep school next year - had 17 points and 8 rebounds the first game we saw followed by 14 points and 7 rebounds the second game.  For Kaba it was all about activity using his length and quick bounce to finish around the cup as well as board.  Good potential. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958663" first="Gavin" last="Luksik"]</strong> of Starks Elite (Bemidji 6’4 Forward, 2022). Gavin will be a three year Bemidji starter and it has everything to do with his effort.  He’s a battler.  A work ethic that others follow, even older players have.  Gavin gives up some size in the paint but is crafty to the finish.  Scored in double digits in three of the four games this weekend including 17 in a win over Rip City. </p> <p><strong>Jacob Scheuring</strong> of Minnesota Magic (Eastview, 6’5 Forward, 2022).  Eastview always has talent stashed on that JV that steps up and has a big year as an upperclassmen.  One of the next names to potentially move from the JV to a big varsity role could be Jacob.  Scheuring is scoring in big numbers for the Magic including games of 31, 20, 20 this weekend at the Battle. </p>