Spring Spotlight: Emmit Taylor III Looks To Keep Positive Momentum Going
photo credit: Kelly Magee Photo
Fresh off leading his team to yet another state title, and being named 1A Division I Player of the Year by the Idaho Statesman, Emmit Taylor III is looking to keep his positive momentum going this Spring with a focused schedule and clear goals in terms of development.
At the state tournament, Taylor III averaged an impressive 21.6 points per game over three contests and guided his team to a consecutive state championship. His Lapwai team and himself found success on the court for much of the season in what truly was a special senior campaign. Taylor III caught up with Prep Hoops Idaho and spoke about it, “Last season I had a great year. Individually, I did things I didn’t expect I would do throughout the season, I averaged more points, assists, and more rebounds this year than the past season. The highlight of this past season for me was winning back to back state titles with my teammates and community.”
On the season Taylor III led his team in scoring with 24.4 points per game while also leading the team in rebounding grabbing 7.4 rebounds a game. At 6-foot-4, Taylor III was simply too much for opposing teams to handle. What made Taylor III especially difficult to prepare for, was his sharp shooting ability from three point range where he shot 41% on the season.
As far as this Spring goes, Taylor III doesn’t plan on slowing things down, “I plan on spending my Spring on improving my game to another level and in playing in many Native American tournaments around the west coast,” Taylor III said. With opportunities to showcase his game, it sounds like Taylor III will be more than willing to stack up against the competition and prove his McDonald’s All American nomination (the only boys player in the state to receive one).
In disbelief right now ???? Beyond blessed and thankful for being nominated ???????????? pic.twitter.com/9vSGfyyvc1
— Emmit Taylor III (@emmittIII) January 9, 2018
Despite the many accolades and already noteworthy skills and game, Taylor III realizes that for the next level he needs to improve on some areas. “The areas I think I need most work on is my off the dribble shooting and getting to the basket more often. Improving my strength and quickness are my main focuses this Spring.”
According to the Idaho Statesman, Taylor III is considering interest from community college and NAIA programs. What a grab he would be if a program does indeed land him as he surely has been one of the state’s premiere players this past season, and by the sounds of it, he is not finished. We are excited to see where Taylor III takes his basketball career to next.