By Thomas Grant Jr.

Lauryn Taylor’s success at the college level is not surprising to her high school head coach Megan Assey of Spring Valley.

With Taylor, the Lady Vikings made back-to-back Class 5A title appearances, winning in 2018.

“I’ve never met any kid who lived and breathed basketball as much as LT,” Assey said. “She has always been a student of the game. She watches and analyzes film like a pro. To this day, she still watches our current team’s game film and will call me with insight. Her work ethic also matches that of what you have to commit to achieve excellence.”

Taylor’s success has continued into her college career at Francis Marion. As a senior, she leads all NCAA Division I in rebounds per game (13.2) and has the Lady Patriots in contention for the Conference Carolinas regular-season title.

Since a 2-4 start, Francis Marion has won four straight games and eight of their last nine. On Jan. 8, Taylor earned her fourth conference Player of the Week award this season and 11th overall after averaging 20 points, 16.5 rebounds and two steals in wins over Mount Olive and King.

In Saturday’s 72-56 victory over Lees-McCrae College, Taylor posted her 10th double-double of the season. She finished with 25 points and a season-high 21 rebounds, which helped move her into 11th place in school history with 799 boards.

For the season, Taylor is averaging 19.2 points per game which is third in the conference.

Assey credits Taylor for her year-round commitment to basketball both on and off the court.

“She was always asking for feedback and was the first in the gym every day and last to leave,” she said. “There was never an off-season. She lived in the weight room and on the court. Also, she accepted accountability for the weaknesses of her game and was open minded to working to change them.”

As Taylor closes out her collegiate career, Assey believes she’s “open-minded” to the prospect of playing professionally overseas. She even aspires to bringing Taylor back to the “Green and Gold” fold as a coach someday.

“Lauryn is a rare breed,” Assey aid. “Truly a basketball mastermind wired for greatness. Whatever she chooses to do in life, it will be a success because she’s simply driven to make the most out of every situation, she’s in. It’s been an honor to watch her growth.”

Francis Marion return to action Thursday at home against Clinton.

Photo by Francis Marion University