Women's Basketball

Junior forward dominates with grace

UH forward Courtney Taylor (24) was named Conference USA Player of the Year on Monday after averaging 15.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in the regular season. | Yulia Kutsenkova/The Daily Cougar

Courtney Taylor knew she could be the most dominant player on the Cougars this season. But she never imagined that she would be regarded among the all-time greats of UH women’s basketball.

The 6-0 junior forward continues to set the bar for career double-doubles, as she recorded her 39th against Rice on Thursday. Taylor took sole possession of the record previously held by Sancho Lyttle, a former UH Cougar and WNBA All-Star, on Feb.7 against Memphis.

“It’s an honor and a reward,” Taylor said. “It’s something to be proud of, but right now there are more important things to focus on.”

Growing up, Taylor was surrounded by basketball. She said that most members of her family played the sport. Her father Johnny Taylor played for Stephen F. Austin in the 1980’s.

A Crockett, Texas native, Taylor played for Crockett High School, and over the course of her high school career was showered with awards, including All-Regional and All-District honors, along with a McDonald’s High School All-American nomination.

Taylor said her decision to attend UH was based largely on the quality of the coaching staff and the proximity to her hometown.

Now that she is a Cougar, Taylor expresses a great deal of respect for her teammates. She said that although the team has had its struggles, they have only served to strengthen their camaraderie.

“We’ve had hard but great times,” Taylor said. “Our record may not show it, but we’ve come far since the beginning of the season.”

The Cougars (16-13, 10-6 C-USA) are the No. 2 seed entering the GMC Sierra Conference USA Women’s Basketball Championships, held this year in Tulsa, Okla. The tournament begins Monday, March 8.

On the court, Taylor never ceases to impress with her stellar performances every game. According to statistics posted on ncaa.com, Taylor finished the regular season with averages of 15.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. This is the second straight season in which she has averaged a double-double.

When it comes to her future in basketball, Courtney says that she would love to play in the WNBA, but has not yet made up her mind.

“I’m passionate about basketball,” Taylor said, with a smile. “But I need a vacation.”

[email protected]

Leave a Comment