Player Spotlight: Hayden Hefner

<p>[player_tooltip player_id="594457" first="Hayden" last="Hefner"] has had a solid junior regular season for Nederland, and looks to keep up the strong level of play heading into the postseason. The 6-foot-4 guard is capable of making shots from deep off the catch. He looks to score from behind the arc and moves very well without the basketball. However, the best part of his game is his elite athleticism. The junior guard is very bouncy.</p> <p>Hefner has put together a number of solid performances this season. His level of play has many scouts feeling he has turned the corner as a player. "My mindset going into the season was becoming a dominant force every time I stepped on the court," says Hefner about his play this season. "I know that I can affect the outcome of the game with my play and this season I feel like I’ve been playing well. But, I know there is a whole nother level that I can tap into and really set my game apart."</p> <p>Coaches know that as well. That is why plenty of them have shown interest or were convinced enough to extend an offer. <strong>Tulane</strong>, <strong>Houston</strong>, <strong>Texas</strong> <strong>A&amp;M</strong>, <strong>Lamar</strong>, <strong>Incarnate Word</strong>, <strong>Oklahoma</strong>, and <strong>Rice</strong> have all offered. While schools such as: <strong>Colorado</strong>, <strong>Colorado State</strong>, <strong>Clemson</strong>, <strong>Notre Dame</strong>, and <strong>UTSA</strong> have all shown interest. Hefner said, "Coaches like my ability to slow the game down and make smart decisions is. My athleticism and skill for the game also provides an extra boost." Hefner has took visits to Houston, Oklahoma, Rice and Texas A&amp;M. He also mentioned that he planned on visiting Tulane soon.</p> <p><strong>IN HAYDEN’S WORDS</strong></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Houston</strong></span>: Houston is great, all of the coaches and what they are building there is pretty awesome.</p> <p><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Oklahoma</strong></span>: Most definitely coach Kruger and coach Hartman are pretty great and it’s easy feeling at home there with those guys around you.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">Rice</span></strong>: Rice was a pretty cool school. For me personally academics is just as important as basketball and I want to excel in both. Coach Pera and coach Kreider are both big on academics as much as the school is.</p> <p><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Texas A&amp;M</strong></span>: Texas A&amp;M is cool. Most of my family went to school there so I was already pretty familiar with the area. The support the players get from alumni and current students is pretty great.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #008000;"> Tulane</span></strong>: I haven’t visited the campus yet, but I plan to soon. Coach Ramo and Coach Dunleavy are both good coaches and Tulane seems to be a good school with high academics as well.</p> <p>When talking about preparing for the college game, Hayden says, " I feel like getting stronger would allow my game to elevate to the next level."</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></p> <p>Hefner has the chance to be one of those prospects who could possibly achieve four-star status this summer. It all depends on his approach to the game and his efficiency from behind the arc. If he can be relied to score at a consistent rate against great competition during the spring and summer, his Big 12 and ACC interest could soon turn into more scholarship offers. </p>