In terms of winning, few players can swing games at the high school level like Lauer. At any point when her team needs a jolt, she finds a way to help her team win games. She’s an excellent athlete who can defend on the perimeter and attack the basket. However, her development as a perimeter shooter has helped her take another step and become a more complete two-way talent.

Somehow, someway, Lauer only plays winning basketball and makes winning plays. When her Kettle Moraine Lutheran team needed plays to swing games, she always popped her head up and made plays that don’t always show up on the box score. Lauer is an excellent athlete who can defend and make plays on the ball. However, no matter where she ends up, I have to assume she’ll help elevate whatever program she plays for at the next level.

There aren’t many players who impact winning the way Lauer does anytime she’s on the floor. Every time I see her play, she finds ways to make winning plays, even when she has no business being involved in the action. The KML guard has the athletic tools to help a regional school at the next level, and she’s won at every place she’s played, which can’t be said about many players, and that’s not a coincidence.

Hayden brought relentless effort to the Ferris Elite Camp, standing out with her intensity and focus, especially on the defensive end. She takes pride in locking down opponents and brings strong ball control that allows her to stay composed under pressure. Her grit and skill carried her all the way to the finals of the 1v1 competition, showing she’s not only tough but also highly competitive.

If you’re matched up against Hayden you’re in for a long night and your handles better be tight. Lauer’s length is a major weapon and she knows exactly when to poke at the ball and disrupt the flow. Her awareness in the passing lanes is next level. She’s the type of player who can flip a whole game just through her defense.

From the corner for three- Nothing but nylon! Nice shooting touch, takes great shots within the offense- has patience. Defensively she takes care of business, not allowing her opponent easy looks at the basket. She doesn’t get rattled! (Below in blue)

The Kettle Moraine Lutheran guard took a significant step forward this season. The Charger is tailor-made for the identity KML has built over the past few seasons. In her first season, she was passive on the offensive end of the floor, but this season, she looked more aggressive and played with more confidence. Lauer never hesitated when she found room to get a shot off, and she used her speed to attack the rim. I love her energy on the defensive end of the floor, and that scrappiness will generate some attention from people at the next level at some point.

Hayden Lauer Hayden Lauer 5'9" | PG/SG Kettle Moraine Lutheran | 2027 State WI may not have received much attention during the 2023-2024 season, but I certainly noticed her as an emerging standout. Lauer is a remarkable defender, which is what initially caught my eye. She has a long wingspan and quick footwork, making it challenging for opposing players to get by her. Lauer is very unselfish offensively, however, when she does take the shot, she shoots at a high percentage. Kettle Moraine Lutheran reached the state semifinals last year, which I am certain will be a valuable experience for Lauer as a freshman. She appears poised to become an outstanding point guard for the team, demonstrating excellent ball-handling skills and a keen ability to read the floor, allowing her to effectively assist her teammates. With two of KML’s guards graduating last year, I believe she will take on a significantly larger role this season.

Kettle Moraine Lutheran guards are as similar as any other program in the state, and I mean that in the best possible way. Lauer is a hard-nosed kid who plays with an elite motor. KML kids do an excellent job playing larger than their frame and earning their team’s extra possessions, and Lauer does that at a high level for an underclassman. After a severe and scary neck injury last July, Lauer should be able to get rolling at some point before the new year, if not game one. She earned minutes as a newcomer this past season and could be in for a more prominent role in year two.