AAU Preseason Preview: Iowa Battlers 15U S40

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's that time of the year again. It's AAU Season! This time of the year is always an interesting and excited one. It's the time where we see new faces in new places, new groups joining together, and a whole lot of action as it pertains to high-level basketball throughout the country. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article, we cover an up and coming program that has some a handful of high ranking prospects from across the state of Iowa in all age groups. This program is one that has been on the up and up the past few seasons and for good reasons. They do things the right way. They try to build up their prospects from a young age and keep them within their system where they feel comfortable. You can tell by watching any of these teams compete that the prospects on each roster know the play-style of one another and that goes a long way when it comes to making things happen during the crunch time of a big game. This AAU season they have joined onto the Select 40 Circuit to compete all Spring/Summer long against some elite competition. It'll be interesting how everyone will fair but from the looks of it, they are set up for success in a number of ways so now it's just about going out and making it happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Schedule - </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>April 6-7: </strong>Select 40 - Lincoln, Nebraska </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>April 19-21:</strong> S40: Session 1 - Frisco, Texas </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>May 10-12:</strong> S40: Windy City - Bedford Park, Illinois</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>May 17-19:</strong> Des Moines Event - Des Moines, Iowa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>May 24-26:</strong> PGH Midwest Extravaganza - Chicago, Illinois</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>June 21-23: </strong>North Tartan Summer Jam - Minneapolis, Minnesota </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>July 11-15:</strong> S40: Session 1&amp;2 - Hamilton, Ohio</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>July 19-22:</strong> S40: Finals - Louisville, Kentucky </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["880901"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='880901' first='Abbajay' last='Peters'] is a prospect that I just highlighted with the release of the 2028 Class in Iowa. Peters is a Combo Guard, that can move between the 1 and the 2 spot. She is someone that can produce at either position showing her versatility in a plethora of different ways. She is a two way player that is aggressive while defending the ball, letting that passion of her's help her compete each time she takes the floor. Whether she is at the 1 or the 2 spot, she is going to be someone to watch this Spring, as she plays up a grade level with this Battlers 15U squad.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["686895"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='686895' first='Kennedy' last='Princehouse'] is coming off of a Freshman season where she didn't see the Varsity floor a whole lot and that's okay. Princehouse has length, knowledge of the game, and quickness in her first step. She is skilled enough to score over a smaller opponent near the rim or she can back it out and hit some shots in the midrange with a picture perfect shot form. Her physical and mental growth over the next few seasons is going to decide where she falls in our rankings for the 2027 Class but as for now, I'm expecting a productive season from Princehouse. She has all the intangibles to be one of the best on this team, she just needs to go out and have confidence in her work. Something I'm sure we can expect right from the tip off of their first game this upcoming weekend in Lincoln.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["686896"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"One of their bruises in the middle of this squad will come to us in the form of [player_tooltip player_id='686896' first='Chloe' last='Moen']. Moen is someone that has above average height for her age, a physical play style, and coordinated balanced every time that she is attacking the basket. This teams offense is going to have a great mix of Guards and Forwards. If their coaching staff can give them some 1v1 opportunities near the basket, their Forwards are going to eat and that include Moen. She has displayed the ability to back the ball out and make something happen from the perimeter but her best ability is catching while going to the hoop a majority of the time.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["766304"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='766304' first='Paige' last='Andernacht'] is another prospect that was just highlighted in an article about the 2028 Class and how she can be someone that can absolutely take over a ball game in the blink of an eye. Andernacht has size at 6'0, she can attack and dominate from either the inside or outside, while being very fundamentally sound. She has the ability to finish over either hand and go over either shoulder on the catch, with being skilled enough to attack a smaller/weaker opponent off of the dribble within 15Ft in need be. It's going to be interesting how this coaching staff uses all their bigs. They will have a chance to start some size at the 4 and 5 or they can run with 4 Guards and 1 Post. It's really whoever is having a good game is who they can stick with. Either way, they should matchup with a lot of solid programs on the Select 40 Circuit over these next few months.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["884848"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"I would consider [player_tooltip player_id='884848' first='Liv' last='Adams'] as one of the true Point Guards on this team. She is someone that leads by example and she is always willing to sacrifice her body for the good of the team without receiving any praise or appreciation. When she has the ball in her hands, she demands perfection from her fellow teammates and that says a lot about her as a player and more-so as a person. She holds everyone accountable when things don't go right and that is because she wants everyone to learn from their mistakes, herself included. Defensively, she is going to be just as vital for this group. She may have the task of picking up her opponent in the full court or right at half, either way she is good at timing her opponents dribble, making it tricky for the other offense to get going. This can be the biggest factor in a win or a lose. I'm excited to see what she is going to string together this Spring/Summer with the Battlers. With her potential, she could turn out to have one of the best seasons out of anyone we have mentioned in this evaluation.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["777236"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"I would describe [player_tooltip player_id='777236' first='Baileigh' last='Uthoff'] is a physically dominant wing, that doesn't take lip from anyone. She has a built frame mixed with some solid size and athleticism to pair along with it. She is someone that moves between the 3 and 4 spot depending on what her team needs of her or who else is on the floor at the same time. On this team and in this situation, she is going to be the 3 in most situations. This group won't need her presence in the middle but I'm sure she is going to call out a mismatch if she happens to have a smaller Guard switch onto her. The best basketball of Uthoff is definitely ahead of her. She competes at Valley for high school ball and didn't see the Varsity floor as a freshman but I would expect that to change over these next few seasons. She does too many good things to not get a chance in the long run. If she stays dedicated to the game of basketball, she is going to continue to be successful over her high school career.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["880911"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"The second tallest player on this team comes to us in the form of [player_tooltip player_id='880911' first='Victoria' last='Burpo']. Burpo is 6'0/6'1 and physically dominant in every aspect under the hoop. She can catch with her back to the basket and finish on either side of the rim or she can clean up the mess of a teammate and rebound, ending the possession with either a finish offensively or an outlet defensively. Burpo is one of three prospects playing up on this team and it makes sense as to why. She is handful to deal with and what you combined her with Andernacht and Templeman, there aren't too many programs that will be able to match up with their size. It's all going to come down to if they have a connection in my opinion. If those three post players do, this is going to be a Spring to remember for the Forwards and Centers on this team.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["834857"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"The tallest listed player on this team is the Center that will be [player_tooltip player_id='834857' first='Olivia' last='Templeman'] from Waukee NW High School. Templeman is listed at 6'3 and she is truly that size. It is not an exaggeration. She is the last piece to this team's, u0022three headed monsteru0022, in the middle of the lane. I've already said that not many teams will be able to compete with this team in the paint and I'm dead serious. When you add Templeman to this group, it's just unfair. If they wanted to, they could start a lineup that is almost all 6'0 or above prospects and that is something you don't usually see at the 15U level. In the end it's going to all come down to situational basketball, preparation, and this groups connection but on paper, they are going to be a PROBLEM to most that cross them and everyone is going to get their's. Templeman included in that conversation.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["884847"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='884847' first='Olivia' last='Baker'] is going to be a prospect from this team that can produce for you without the basketball in her hands all the time. This may not seem like a big deal but it is. From a college coaching perspective, the most systems you can play in, the better. The more things you can do for your team without scoring, the better the chance you will get in the long run to see the floor. Baker would be considered a CG, who moves around between the 2 and 3 position. She is a solid talent with still some room to improve, just like everyone else at this age. She has demonstrated that she can get hot from deep when shooting the rock if she see's the first one go in. I think this is a prospect that is going to be able to compete and grow her game at the same time these next few months. She will be in a system that compliments her play style. She just needs to make the most of it now.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["880923"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"A player that will fill in for this team is someone that we have recently highlighted out of the 2028 Class in our most recent Update and that is [player_tooltip player_id='880923' first='Julia' last='Van Keuren']. Van Keuren has length but she likes to play the outside and work her way in. From the brief game play that I have seen out of her, she isn't afraid to shoot the ball from all three levels, while having a steady advantage when going to the hoop because of her long arms. This team and program is filled with talented athletes. There are going to be times over these next few months where this group will have prospects competing in other sports and that will be the time when Julia will be asked to step up. Some players might take this as they are a u0022second optionu0022 but that couldn't be further from the truth. Julia is going to get some solid minutes, playing up with a very promising and dominant group. Everything that she can take away from this experience will be a major key in her progression on the hardwood. She just needs to stay positive and be ready to work. Something I'm sure she is more excited for than anything else.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660cd219a7ea7"} /-->