Hayden's Lauren Sandstrom 'knows how to lead a team' entering Class 3A State Tournament

TOPEKA — Lauren Sandstrom nailed a 3-pointer in the second quarter against Jefferson West on Saturday. The bucket helped Hayden increase their lead as she stood at mid-court throwing her hands in the air to pump up the crowd. The Wildcat faithful obliged as a timeout ensued.

The 6-foot senior has been the linchpin for Hayden’s success this season. Sandstrom is as versatile as they come in high school basketball. She brings the ball up the floor, collects it in the post and even knocks down contested jump shots. She’s the real deal and that's the main reason she will be playing at the next level at Rockhurst University.

“She can bridge the gap between the guards and the post. She can make plays on the perimeter as well as inside,” Hayden coach Carvel Reynoldson said. “When she goes after the rebounds, we are a lot better team.”

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The on-court production is a thing of beauty from Sandstrom as she scored a game-high 27 points in Hayden’s sub-state championship victory. The way she glides with the ball and finishes through contact is a luxury many teams would enjoy. But the off-court attributes are even better.

A leader by example is how friend and teammate senior Avery Grunert described Sandstrom. Grunert has appreciated all of the pregame speeches from Sandstrom to get the Wildcats in the correct mindset before heading onto the floor. It’s been a difference-maker as Hayden has found its identity.

“She knows how to lead a team and that’s really what we needed,” Grunert said. “She has been guns blazing all year. To get to play with her has been such an honor.”

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It’s easy to be discouraged when you foul out. Some players sink their heads in embarrassment, others disengage from the action on the floor. Not Sandstrom, junior Brylee Meier explained. When she fouled out earlier this season, Sandstrom was like another coach from the sidelines. It was necessary for the Wildcats’ success in the game, according to Meier.

“She still had so much energy on the bench and was keeping us in it,” Meier said. “Lauren is an amazing friend and we’ve built such a strong connection. There are so many good things about her.”

All of the positive habits that Sandstrom has been building will come to fruition in the final week of the season. Her shot-making ability to her pregame talks will be necessary to Hayden’s success in the Class 3A State Tournament, which begins on Thursday. To have a successful state tournament, it will all begin with a place that Sandstrom has always enjoyed.

“We need to keep our composure and have a great week of practice before the tournament,” Sandstrom said. “We just need to be ready for it and go out and win.”

Is there anything bad about Sandstrom?

“Absolutely not,” Meier said emphatically.

Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Inside Lauren Sandstrom's impact on Hayden's girls basketball program