LI Senior Named NY's Gatorade Girls Basketball Player Of The Year

Long Island Lutheran senior Celeste Taylor has been named Gatorade's New York Girls Basketball Player of the Year - an honor handed out to best student-athlete in every state.

Taylor, a guard, led the Crusaders to a 15-7 record, averaging 16.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 4 steals in 22 games. She is a three-time All-State honoree and a three-time Long Island Player of the Year.

Taylor was also a member of the gold-medal winning USA Basketball U17 Women's World Cup Team and was chosen to play in the McDonald's All-American Game.

In addition to her success in basketball, Taylor maintained an A average, and has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at the University of Texas.

Taylor is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year awarded to be announced in March.

"Taylor has volunteered locally on behalf of the Salvation Army and a youth mentoring program. “Celeste Taylor is a remarkable

talent,” said Marcus Thompson, head coach at Sanford School (Del.). “She possesses the rare qualities of size, athleticism and a
superior basketball IQ. She can score effortlessly and also create for others.”