Glenbard West is striving for success in this new basketball season, starting off at 3-3 in the 2016-2017 campaign.
One of the reasons for its upbeat nature is sophomore Evan Taylor, who has been turning heads and putting up solid numbers this season. Evan also plays baseball as a rare left-handed pitcher. That athletic prowess has spilled over onto the hardwood as well.
Taylor's skill set proves very versatile, and he displays a calm demeanor on the floor, which separates him from a lot of other athletic 15-year-olds.
Evan Taylor, back row third from right, has made quite an impression with his versatile play on the court.
| Glenbard West High School
"Evan has many good attributes as an athlete," Head Varsity Coach Tim Hoder said. "He is skilled, athletic and long. He has very good balance, but his best quality may be his temperament. He is very even-keeled and does not get too upset or let his emotions get the best of him. He handles frustration very well -- a rare quality in a sophomore."
Evan has plenty of speed for an interior player and can create shots in tight spaces. Having a lanky player who can run the floor creates a tough match-up for any adversary. Hoder views Taylor's defense as a huge advantage and wants to maximize his potential by getting him even more involved in rebounding.
Taylor's youth and versatility mean the sky's the limit for Taylor.
"Ev fits into our system well because he is versatile; he can score inside and out and can put the ball on the floor," Hoder said. "He also is a smart kid, which is necessary because we run a lot of different things, and he needs to know all five spots. All of our guys need to know that."
Making everyone learn each position creates a tough match for any team in the West Suburban Silver Conference.
Taylor's intelligence goes beyond his years, and Hoder sees basketball in his future. However, Hoder also knows Evan will choose wisely when it comes to his dreams off the court as well.
"Ev has a very bright future," Hoder said. "He has a lot of physical maturing to do, and he is only 15. I know he will play college basketball somewhere. I know he will choose a career path that he will be successful in, but since he's 15, he has some time to finalize that plan."
At 15, the future seems light years away, but with this young basketball star already making an impact, it'll be fun to be along for the ride.
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