Senior is one of 1,000 players nominated
Senior recognized as one of the nation's best in girls basketball
LEESBURG -- Leesburg senior Sharece Taft was recognized Monday among the best senior high-school girls basketball players in the country when she was notified she had been nominated for the 2006 McDonald's All-American Girls High School Basketball team.
Taft, a 6-foot senior, is one of 1,000 players nationwide to be picked for the honor. Out of those players, a group of 24 players will be selected in late February to play in the McDonald's All-American All-Star Game at San Diego State University on March 29. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
"I was excited," Taft said about receiving the recognition. "It is a total surprise."
Leesburg Coach Mark Oates said it is a well-deserved honor for a player who has dedicated herself to the Yellow Jackets' program. She is the second Leesburg player to be selected in the past two years, joining former teammate Danielle Harris, who was nominated in 2004.
"Reesey has basically set an example for our players as far as what hard work is, how to practice, how to play in games," Oates said. "I guess, in a way, she has given the program a face and the other girls look up to her."
Though the nomination for the All-American team is a nice highlight for Taft to have to her senior season, the year did not start out the way she would have liked. Leesburg, which has an 18-5 overall record, had to play most of the first half of the season with its star center/forward on the sidelines.
She missed the time with a torn meniscus in her right knee that occurred during the summer and underwent surgery to repair the ligament on Sept. 15.
While out, Taft tried to keep herself in shape by continually working out in the weight room. Despite the effort, when she was given clearance to begin playing again, Taft quickly found out she was not in shape.
"I had to do a lot of running," Taft said. "I had to get back in shape."
Now, 14 games into her return, Taft feels like her game is coming back.
"It's going pretty good now. My knee is doing pretty good," Taft said.
Oates said Taft would receive a special honor at the school.
While introducing his players during Senior Night last Friday, Oates said a special banner will be placed in the new Leesburg High School gymnasium, honoring Taft for all of her accomplishments and her career statistics that currently stand at 1,167 points, 775 rebounds and 272 steals.
"To go into her senior year with so many expectations and to be injured was very disappointing for her, I'm sure," Oates said. "But she did what she could. She came to practice all the time and never skipped a beat.
"Having her back has meant a lot to the team. I think it has helped relax the team. The team's confidence level has increased."
Resources
January 24, 2006
January 24, 2006
Joe Williams
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Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
February 19, 2011
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Gerald is the CEO/President of Lacey LLC and OmariWholesale, Inc. He runs his entire business from his home where he is able to spend quality time with his family and friends. He is passionate about helping individuals to build and monetize their personal brand online.
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