Prospect Watch: Dontae Taylor (2020)
Class is 2020 point guard Dontae Taylor of Springfield Parkview brings high energy every moment he is on the floor. On offense, the 6’2” Taylor is going downhill as he loves to relentlessly attack the basket. There’s no secret to…
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Continue ReadingClass is 2020 point guard Dontae Taylor of Springfield Parkview brings high energy every moment he is on the floor.
On offense, the 6’2” Taylor is going downhill as he loves to relentlessly attack the basket. There’s no secret to his game. He’s coming at defenders on the dribble and it’s on them to stop him if they can. His quick first step to the basket along with his tenacity make him tough to stop on the drive.
“It really just came natural to me because I’m a super quick player,” Taylor said. “Attacking the basket just came natural for me.”
Taylor started to emerge as a sophomore when he averaged 12 points a game to help Parkview win a district championship and make a run to the Class 5 state quarterfinals. He was a strong second option alongside do it all standout Tyem Freeman.
The dynamic duo was expected to lead Parkview on another deep tournament run last season, but Freeman suffered a season-ending knee injury in early December. With Freeman out of the lineup, Taylor not only became the team’s go-to player, but he also picked up the leadership mantle as well.
As a junior, Taylor stepped up big as he averaged 15 points, four rebounds and two steals while handing out 126 assists to keep the Vikings very competitive during a 14-13 season.
“When Tyem went down, I knew I had to be the leader of the team,” he said. “I will be doing the same thing this year, but being an even better leader.”
Taylor returns for his senior season as one of the top players in the Springfield area. He enjoyed an excellent summer with the Missouri Flight 17U team during the grassroots season. He was able to improve his perimeter shooting, which should enhance his offensive game.
As he gets ready for the basketball season, Taylor has also been doing a nice job on the football field for the Vikings as a wide receiver. He has displayed some big play ability as he averages more than 25 yards per receptions, thus earning some collegiate interest in that sport as well.
“I’ve had some schools contact my coaches about football as well,” he said. “I am really enjoying football. It is so much fun.”