Aaron Lauer has quickly proven himself to be the perfect replacement for John McGowan, as he showcased his proclivity for great ball handling and being a vocal leader on the court through his stellar performance last season. The incoming junior is embracing Novi’s brand of fast-paced, team-oriented basketball, one that capitalized on closing out the games from McGowan’s prowess the prior year and looks poised to succeed this upcoming one. Aaron is unselfish in playstyle, willing to set screens that suit everyone on the Wildcats, and his hard work was accredited with the honorary promotion to the varsity.
John McGowan was an invaluable asset to the Kensington Lakes Activities Association last season. His prowess as a third-year point guard was undeniable; his ability to steal the ball and knock down crucial jumpers gave the Wildcats the necessary momentum to close out games. This performance earned him a second-team selection on Hometown Life’s All-Area boy’s basketball team this past winter. Although his graduation has left a void, the incoming junior Aaron Lauer is more than ready to fill his shoes and carry on McGowan’s legacy.
Lauer’s style of play is tailored to the brand of basketball that Novi has been playing all summer; a fast-paced, team-oriented game that doesn’t allow for any wasted possessions. His unselfishness and willingness to set screens make him an ideal fit for this Wildcats squad, one that looks poised to have another successful season.
Not only is he a reliable ball handler, but he’s also becoming the vocal leader the team needs on the floor. His hard work and dedication paid off when he earned a permanent promotion to the varsity, proving that he was more than capable of leading the offense.
His peers, such as McGowan, Hackman, and Aurilia, have also been instrumental in his development. Coach House is proud of the progress Lauer has made and is confident that he sets a strong example for the whole team.
“Lauer was a great addition to the team from the start,” said Housey. “He has taken on the challenge of playing with the more experienced players and is now ready to lead the younger members of the Wildcats. His development has been impressive and I know that he will continue to be a positive influence on our team.”
Despite not having any returning All-Staters, the Novi Wildcats still have a lot of potential. With Thad Lawler leading the charge and other experienced players from the football team training for the fall season, the Wildcats have been able to give their up-and-coming players extra court time to develop their skills. The Wildcats had their best season in years last winter and are aiming to achieve a .500 winning percentage for the first time since 2017-18. It’s clear that the Novi Wildcats are a force to be reckoned with and could surprise a lot of people this season.
Housey expressed pride in the team, noting that they played hard and unselfishly, doing everything asked of them. In addition, Housey highlighted the fact that although the team lacked great individual skill players, they were a great group together, with both seniors and juniors have been playing together for a long time. The pleasure of seeing them come together was palpable.
Housey is confident that the Wildcats will continue to develop and grow, eventually becoming a true powerhouse in their division.
John McGowan was an irreplaceable player to the Kensington Lakes Activities Association last season but Aaron Lauer is certainly up for the challenge of taking his place. He has proven to be both a reliable ball handler and vocal leader with his willingness to set screens and unselfishness on offense making him an ideal fit for this Wildcats squad. With his precise shooting, leadership ability, and determination to prove himself, Lauer has earned a permanent promotion to the varsity this past season. The season ahead looks bright for the Wildcats which promise success and stability with Lauer on board leading their game.
