Lady Phenom is expanding its coverage, and we are heading out to Alaska for this story. Yes, Alaska… as we spoke to a big-time prospect that is part of the Class of 2025 and is one that has been collecting offer after offer.
2025 6’5 Layla Hays is not only a dual-sport athlete, but she is proving to be one of the premier talents nationally for basketball. And when you learn more about her, it is easy to see why so many schools are recruiting her hard. Hays helped Wasilla high school to a 24-5 overall record and an appearance in the 4A State Championship game. And she only continued her stellar play with Tru to the Game this summer.
We spoke with Hays to learn more about her summer and the latest going on in her recruitment. Check out what she had to say.
Lady Phenom: How did everything go this summer overall for you'
Hays: This summer went really well with Tru to the Game. It was super great to be able to travel out of state and get some exposure.
Lady Phenom: What was it like playing with your teammates, gaining a lot of attention, and showing more of your game on a big stage'
Hays: It was just a really amazing experience, and it was such a blessing to play with these girls because of their skill and support.
Lady Phenom: What did you want to show more about your game'
Hays: Just that I could show that I can play against girls my size or bigger.
Lady Phenom: How would you best describe your game'
Hays: My heart is in the paint! I love it when the game is physical in the paint. I feel like I excel one-on-one, and blocking. The areas I’m continuing to work on are my outside shots. I go into every game like it is a championship game, and just leave everything on the floor. If there is a point in time where I miss a layup or foul, I tell myself to forget about it and just keep going.
Lady Phenom: Your recruitment has gone extremely well. What has it been like receiving all these offers' What have they been saying overall your way'
Hays: Receiving these offers is such a blessing and is super exciting. They said that they like my overall attitude on and off the court, and my ability to use my body.
Lady Phenom: What is the list of offers you currently hold'
Hays: Eastern Washington, TCU, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa State, Nebraska, Gonzaga, Illinois, Iowa, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Alabama, Utah, Northwestern, Wisconsin, San Diego, Minnesota, Washington, North Carolina, Colorado, Maryland, and Kansas State.
Lady Phenom: Do you want to make any visits or have you been able to'
Hays: I do want to take visits. It will be hard because I am a multi-sport athlete. I’m going to narrow it down to 7-8 hopefully before December, and those will be the schools I visit.
Lady Phenom: What would you be looking for overall in a program'
Hays: Finding a team/staff that looks at me equally as a person and as a player. I also really am looking for a team with a family aspect. Leaving Alaska is going to be far wherever I go, so just feeling at home is important to me.