Aaron Lauer steps in for Te’John McGowan this year giving Novi High School a promising new chapter in basketball style and leadership. Combining reliable shooting and ball handling skills, vocal presence, safe court play, a fundamentally sound approach and a pass-happy attitude, Novi is set to remain successful while playing an enjoyable brand of basketball for the upcoming season. Aaron’s impressive performance since he was called up from JV has already earned him a starting role to replace departing senior Te’John McGowan who was selected as a HomeTown Life All-Area boys basketball second team selection last season.
There’s no denying the immense impact Te’John McGowan had on the Kensington Lakes Activities Association last season. His third-year point guard status proved invaluable, making him a reliable source of momentum shifts and clutch shots. It’s no surprise then that he was chosen as a second-team selection of Hometown Life’s All-Area boys basketball team for his standout performance over the year. Unfortunately, Novi has now lost him to graduation – but it would be unfair to expect incoming junior Aaron Lauer to match McGowan’s impressive production.
Instead, Lauer’s playing style complements the type of ball Novi’s been running all summer: a fundamentally sound team with an extra pass-happy and unselfish approach that never allows the ball to touch the floor during fastbreaks and press breaks. The result? A brand of basketball that’s sure to be just as successful as it is enjoyable to watch.
Lauer has been a shining example of Novi’s approach and ethos since he was called up from JV in the middle of last season. Despite his inexperience, Lauer showcased poise and confidence that led to his permanent promotion to the varsity and eventually earned him a starting role. With his leadership on the court, Lauer has demonstrated his safe ball handling skills, reliable shooting, and vocal presence, making him the perfect fit for leading Novi’s offense.
His hard work and dedication have been a strong contributing factor to the team’s success. Coach Chris Housey is proud of Lauer and his commitment to excellence, as it sets a great example for the entire team.
He reflects on his debut with the Wildcats%27 varsity fondly, noting that playing against bigger and more physical talent helped him develop as a player. Lauer is especially grateful for his mentor, Te%, who provided guidance and support. Luke was a great leader and Lauer now looks forward to being an upperclassman and setting a positive example for the younger players.
Though the Wildcats may not have any superstars, they still boast a dangerous team — last season they achieved their best record in years. With many up-and-coming players and the experience of Thad Lawler returning, Novi fans should be proud of their team’s potential for success this year.
The team is unified with their veteran players, and the juniors and seniors have been playing together since childhood.
Coach Housey expressed his pride in the team’s commitment to fundamentals, “These guys play hard, they play together, and they play unselfishly – everything we ask of them.”
In the first round of the playoffs, the team beat the Southside Rams 46-0.
The following week, the team beat the St. Paul Saints 39-14 in the second round of the playoffs.
The Wildcats will continue to build on their success and make their program into a winner. With the right combination of talent and effort, it’s only a matter of time until Novi will be a team that opponents must gameplan against.
Novi has now lost the reliable performance of TeJohn McGowan, but any doubt that they won’t fill his void is unfounded. Aaron Lauer is more than capable to step up and lead the Novi team with a style very similar to that of McGragan. He has the poise, confidence, and fundamental expertise required to make Novi’s offensive a force again that is both successful and exciting to watch. In the coming season, Kruger can trust Lauer to pick up where McGowan left whilst showing his full potential running the offense.
