Grassroots Preview: Iowa Mavericks 16U (NY2LA)
To kick off our grassroots preview series, Iowa Mavericks program director and head coach of the 16U NY2LA team Tyler Cleveland helps us break down his team. Below you’ll find an overview of the team as a whole, Cleveland’s thoughts on each of the players on the roster, and their schedule for the upcoming season.
Overview
“Our 16U team is one of the best 16U teams the Mavericks have ever put together on paper, and we’re hoping that it translates to the court. While the amount of offensive weapons seems to stick out, this team will be one of, if not the, best defensive teams around. We will be able to pressure with our guards up top and in the backcourt, with the size and strength we have in the paint to protect the rim. Defensively, we will play very similar to Shaka Smart’s HAVOC system, never knowing what you’re going to see and always the unexpected trap.
Offensively, this team is loaded with talent. Although we have a lot of shooters on this team, they all have different skill sets. We can get to the rim, utilize our big men, which will lead to open shots.
We will be playing in the NY2LA Association this year, which will be a very extreme challenge, one we’re looking forward to. This team played VERY well late in July last year, losing in the semifinals of the Fab48 tourney in Vegas. With the additions to this team (Delzell, Soenksen, Heth, Hayes) and the continued spurts in height and strength of our returners, this team will be a tough task to face anytime we step on the floor.” — Tyler Cleveland
Breaking down the roster
#2 Jacob Schockemoehl — Dubuque Wahlert — 6’1″
Jake is coming off a great year with Wahlert, where he started on the varsity team. He has grown into his body and continues to grow. A versatile guard who can shoot the lights out. Jake has stepped up his game over the last year, and added some new skill sets. He is attacking the basket much more, which will lead to continued success.
#3 Pat Bockman — Decorah — 6’3″
Pat had a great year starting at Decorah as a sophomore. He brings a lot to the table, including his ability to play many different spots on the floor. He can be a point or can be a forward. He has a knack of getting to the rim and finishes almost everything.
#5 Tate Crane — Iowa City West — 6’3″
Tate brings a lot of energy every time he steps on the floor. He has grown as well, standing at 6’3″ currently and still growing. Defensively he is always in the right position and offensive he has a very nice outside shot.
#9 Caleb Delzell — Camanche — 6’6″
Caleb worked his way up to our “top” team this year, after having a superior year at Camanche, starting on varsity. He is one of the most versatile players around, standing at 6’6″, he can play down low and also on the perimeter. He can shoot lights out which is dangerous, especially for his size. Caleb has a shot to be a very solid player this offseason and will contribute greatly to this team.
#11 Jaxon Heth — Cedar Falls — 5’9″
Jaxon is also a new addition to our program. He has been very impressive through the first month of practices. He is a smart basketball mind, and will really help our styles both offensively and defensively. He also can shoot lights out.
#12 John Steffen — Linn-Mar — 6’2″
John is one of the most improved players from last year’s team. He has also grown and gotten stronger. He suited up with varsity to end the year and got some minutes at Linn-Mar. John brings a dangerous arsenal to his game. He may be one of the best guards at attacking the rim in the area. He has serious potential and will help out this team greatly.
#14 Ozzie Meiborg — Cedar Rapids Jefferson — 5’10”
Oz is coming off a stellar sophomore year for Coach Horman at Jefferson. He brings so much to our team and is one of our guys we are leaning on to lead this team from all aspects. He has improved his decision making and his pull-up jumper. He can get up and defend against the best of them. He will be a huge part of our team this spring/summer.
#23 Cameron Soenksen — Camanche — 6’2″
Cam is another new addition to the Mavs this year. He is a very special player, as he can do just about anything we need. He is very springy, can go up and gets boards and finish high above the rim. He can shoot it with the best of them, and he attacks the rim at will. After the first few practices, our coaches are very impressed and cannot wait to see his development in the game, and be able to work with him.
#24 Isaac Ripley — Dubuque Wahlert — 5’10”
Isaac is a floor general and is always getting his teammates involved. He can shoot, attack, make the right pass and more offensively. And defensively, he does just about everything. He may have led our team in rebounding last year, and is always playing scrappy and doing whatever he can to help the team get a win.
#31 Lucas Hayes — Bettendorf — 6’6″
Lucas is another new addition to our program. He has a very good sense of the game and is going to have to be a dominant force in the post. Alongside Joe, we have a very solid 1-2 punch in the paint.
#35 Joe Lilienthal — Durant — 6’6″
Joe had a very good year at Durant, and we hope he rolls it over to the Mavs season. He has great footwork in the paint for his size, and can hit the mid-range jumper if needed.
Schedule
Dates | Event | Location |
March 30-April 1 | NY2LA Swish ‘n Dish | Milwaukee, WI |
April 6-8 | The ROCK Spring Classic | Madison, WI |
April 20-22 | NY2LA Lone Star Invitational | Dallas, TX |
April 27-29 | NY2LA Spring Extravaganza | Minneapolis, MN |
May 12-13 | TBD | TBD |
May 18-20 | Kings of the Court | Ankeny, IA |
July 11-15 | NY2LA Next Level Invitational | Milwaukee, WI |
July 18-22 | NY2LA Summer Jam | Milwaukee, WI |
July 25-29 | Las Vegas Fab 48 | Las Vegas, NV |