Battle at the Lakes: Small College Sleepers
There was a bevy of talent in the Twin Cities on Saturday. Here are some players who should be on the radar of NAIA and Division III programs around the Midwest that caught Tony Roe’s eye on Saturday afternoon.
6-4 SF Zaine Leedom, Iowa Intensity 17U (East Marshall HS, IA)
Skilled 6-4 wing with ability to score inside and out. Improving his ball handling which allowed him to get to the rim for buckets on multiple occasions. Has above-average length, and combines that with high basketball IQ and understanding of angles to make up for lack of lateral quickness on defensive end. Capable of finishing above the rim and is an explosive leaper. Moves well off the ball on the offensive end and can really shoot it off the catch. Possible Division II player if he had a few more inches on him, but should be on the radar of all NAIA and Division III programs with his scoring, rebounding and defensive abilities.
6-2 SG Peter Lambesis, Fundamental U Black 17U (St. Viator HS, IL)
Rangy left-handed guard has the ability to really stroke it from deep. Plays effectively in the pick and roll, with ability to step behind the screen and knock down 3s comfortably going in either direction. Took advantage of overly aggressive defense after early 3s to get to the rim for strong finishes. Plays the passing lanes well off the ball on the defensive end, routinely jumping the lanes for steals and layups. Does a good job looking ahead and pushing tempo. Heady player who competes on the glass. Could help out a Division III program looking for a big bodied guard, as he could become a point as ball handling tightens up and decision making improves a touch. Active on both ends of the floor.
6-8 PF Gabe Bergeron, Fundamental U Black 17U (Dundee Crown HS, IL)
Lengthy forward who scored effectively from the high-post and in. Showed good footwork and touch, with variety of post moves and countermoves, ability to score with either hand. Had an impressive move where he went from the right block, spun baseline and came out under the rim and elevated into a powerful one-handed dunk on the left side of the hoop. A little stiff moving laterally, but runs the floor well and has good hands. Needs to continue getting stronger and expanding range. Gifted player from 15 feet and in on both ends of the floor who is worth an NAIA level look.
6-6 C Jake Schroeckenthaler, Wisconsin Academy 17U Nelson (Monona Grove HS, WI)
Big, well-built post with good hands. Post moves are a bit robotic, but displays good touch with both hands. Carves out good position on the block, using strength to seal defender. Vocal on both ends of the floor, calling out screens on defense and helping teammates run through plays on offensive end. Sets good, hard (but legal) screens to free teammates. Good rebounder, runs the floor fairly well. Showed ability to knock down 12-15 foot baseline jumper with good form. Does a nice job playing in a two-post offense, capable of passing block-to-block or high-post to low-post. Good teammate. Potential Division III big man capable of scoring and being a solid team defender.
6-2 PG Parker Badding, Tryon Gym 17U (Kuemper Catholic HS, IA)
Long combo guard who will probably need to become a point at the next level. Showed ability to run the offense in the halfcourt, and made some great passes in transition. Sharpshooter with quick, smooth and consistent release to pair with extended range. Moves well off the ball to find spaces in the defense to get his shot off. Intelligent defender off the ball who rarely gambles. Will be a valuable Division III combo guard, with potential to work his way into a scholarship level player. The shooting will translate to the next level.
5-9 PG Marco Balderas, Iowa Cornsharks Select 17U (South Hamilton HS, IA)
On loan this weekend from Iowa Dynasty, but didn’t miss a beat with his new teammates. Fantastic facilitator in both the halfcourt and transition. Sees the floor extremely well, willing to make difficult passes and finds a way to get them to their destination. Small stature will keep some programs away, but he’s a tough, physical lead guard who makes winning plays. Has a great floater game that he has nearly perfected to score over bigger defenders. Isn’t afraid to contact in the paint, will finish through it. Has great hands on the defensive end, and is a smart defender. He knows he’s small, but he’s found ways to work with it and excel. Talented enough to be a scholarship guard. May end up at the Division III level if programs are scared of size, and he would be a steal there.