Prospect Spotlight: Caleb Schlaak (2021)
Iowa’s class of 2021 is going to start to take center stage this winter as sophomores during the high school hoops season. And we expect Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s 6-foot-6 wing Caleb Schlaak to start differentiating himself from the pack.
A tall and lengthy prospect, Schlaak is a guy that likes to get after it defensively, and he says that helps him with his offensive production.
“I like to start on the defensive end and kind of get into a rhythm by getting steals and blocks and just making solid plays,” said Schlaak. “That usually transitions pretty well into my offensive game, whether that be shooting or driving, making assists or whatever. And I really think my length helps a lot with all of that.”
Schlaak spent his spring and summer with one of the Midwest’s most talented grassroots teams, Martin Brothers 15U.
“I started off a little shaky, but towards the end of the season I got a lot more comfortable and started playing pretty good,” he said. “I started attacking a whole a lot more and finishing better.”
He’ll take those sharpened skills from the summer into a sophomore season with Kennedy, where his role will increase dramatically from a season ago.
As a freshman, Schlaak played half of the season with the varsity. They brought him up due to some injuries and the fact that he’d had been playing really well with the sophomores.
“My freshman year was really fun, just getting to know the coaching staff there at Kennedy,” said Schlaak.
“It was an adjustment at first, but once I got used to the fans and everyone watching, then I played better and started playing my game. Now, I’ll be a little more acclimated to the environment and will come out string this year hopefully.”
You can bet there will be college coaches monitoring the Cougars’ season this winter. And although Schlaak’s recruitment might not heat up until next summer, he does have some initial Division I interest coming his way now.
“I’ve had some schools look at me, including South Dakota State, Iowa, a little bit from UNI.” said Schlaak.
“I’ve had some letters, questionnaires, camp invites and texts to my coach to let them know of interest, stuff like that.”
Caleb Schlaak has been identified by Prep Hoops as a top prospect in his class. To see the full Class of 2021 Watch List, click here.