CBS 58's Hometown Athlete: Golda Meir senior creates her own club
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Golda Meir senior Amirah Taylor says she first picked up a basketball in second grade.
"I wasn't always a starter or the best player, but every time I got out on the court, I definitely put 110 effort on the court," said Taylor.
Taylor, now a 5'10" forward, says she always tried her best as a young player. Now, she is dominating her position. Taylor has averaged a double-double throughout her career, including 20 rebounds in a game last season. Leading the state in rebounds per game once again this year, Taylor says cleaning the glass is a must.
"If the ball goes up and I know I can get it, I just go for it every single time," said Taylor.
"She just goes out there and does what she needs for the team. She's always been a go-getter. I don't have to tell her, 'Amirah, we need 20 rebounds - we need 10. She just go get it,," says Golda Meir girls basketball coach Jaron Perry.
Jaron Perry has coached Taylor all four years of her high school career. He's seen all of her feats, including her becoming the first player in Golda Meir history to reach 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds.
"I'm just so proud of her, all the hard work has paid off on the court, off the court. On the offensive end, defensive end, she never takes plays off. she always try to do the best she can do," says Perry.
Taylor says it does not feel like that, but she knows putting up numbers like that is a big deal. Getting to this point took the same approach as a young Taylor had when she first picked up a basketball.
"My focus was to just win and help my team become a better team. Freshman year, we weren't always the best team in the conference. So, just trying to always put our best foot forward and try to play the best we can with the people we have," said Taylor.
Taylor attacks the classroom like she does her sport, with great focus and determination; she hopes her studies and basketball can take her to the next level. Her ultimate dream is playing at Marquette.