Schmidtlein, along with Vickery, gives me two six-footers who can run the floor. She will also be looking to get out in transition, as I have to board monsters in the paint to get them quick outlets. The Wildcat sophomore is ranked No. 2 overall in the Kansas Class of 2028. She has the potential to record a double-double every time she steps on the court. She will be leaned on to score a lot this season for Hayden.

Schmidtlein is ranked No. 2 overall by Prep Girls Hoops Kansas and is currently ranked No. 1 overall by Prep Dig Kansas. She is super talented and a natural athlete. She is a threat to record double-doubles when playing basketball and to reach double digits in kills each time she steps on a volleyball court. Through 47 sets played, she has recorded 207 kills. She is on pace to match or surpass her total of 440 kills as a freshman. She will get a ton of college offers, so her biggest decision, when it comes time, will be which sport to play collegiately. If I were to place a bet on it, I think she will choose volleyball, but the odds are close.

Schmidtlein could become the most talked-about multi-spot athlete in Kansas. Sandberg was a multi-sport athlete in high school. Dave Winifield was drafted by three professional leagues, and though most of our readership is pretty young, you should be familiar with multiple-sport stars like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders. Hayden’s Schmidtlein is the No. 1-ranked athlete in the Kansas Class of 2028 by Prep Dig, and she has already received an offer to play Division I college basketball from Murray State. Plenty of college basketball coaches will be attending her high school games in the future, but she will have to wait a little longer before she can actively be recruited by college volleyball coaches. However, I can already predict long lines at her house to meet with her, like the ones to buy a bleacher seat at Wrigley Field in 1989 or to buy a ticket to a Hulk Hogan/Andre the Giant main event. This young talent is a headliner!

Schmidtelin is a multi-sport prospect with natural athleticism. Her game is more artistic than Boss’s or Caryl’s, but she is not afraid to get physical and mix it up inside. She is ranked No. 5 overall by Prep Girls Hoops Kansas and No. 1 by Prep Dig Kansas in their respective Class of 2028 rankings. Hayden is a convenient team for me to scout and one that, once again, should be quite talented.

Hailey Schmidtlein Hailey Schmidtlein 6'0" | PF Hayden | 2028 State KS is an elite three-point shooter, a significant threat from beyond the arc who can consistently stretch the floor. Her ability to knock down shots with high efficiency from the perimeter forces defenses to extend, creating crucial spacing for her team’s offense and opening up driving lanes for teammates. This offensive prowess makes her an invaluable asset in today’s game.

What truly elevates Hailey’s impact, especially from the four position, is her elite defensive versatility. She possesses the rare capability to effectively guard all five positions on the court (1-5). This defensive adaptability, combined with her perimeter shooting, makes her a unique and formidable player who can dominate on both ends of the floor.