In her four years of basketball at Durango High School, Taylor Edwards hasn’t just seen a transformation in the program - she’s been a catalyst.
Edwards is part of a decorated group of seniors that is turning the program around with three consecutive winning seasons. The versatile forward has been a reliable, consistent player with many positive attributes necessary for a winning team to succeed, but her best work has come in the first few weeks of her senior season.
Just as the team has transformed into a powerhouse, so has Edwards.
“I think this year’s play just represents the progress she’s made throughout her time here,” Durango head coach Tim Fitzpatrick said. “Taylor has improved every year and she’s always been a leader for us. She’s been a big part of the rebirth of this program and I don’t think we’re anywhere near as good as we’ve been without her.”
The Demons started the season on a three-game winning streak behind Edwards’ hot start. The senior scored in double-figures in each game as her efforts of 11, 17, and 12 points helped the team take down the season’s first three opponents.
In the last game before the break, Edwards was dominant in the Demons’ blowout of Montezuma-Cortez. She led the way with a career-high 18 points and seven rebounds as Durango cruised to a 59-31 victory.
“We lost some bigs from last year and I feel more at home playing down low this season,” Edwards said. “The last couple of years, I played as more of a small forward. It’s helped me become more of a well-rounded player, but I really feel at home this year down low.”
For the season, Edwards is second on the team with 9.4 points per game and is second on the team pulling down 5.7 rebounds a game. She is also second in field goals made, free throws made and assist to turnover ratio.
“Taylor can do it all,” teammate Katrina Chandler said. “She can play anywhere she’s asked to play and she’s a great leader on top of that. Whether it’s basketball, school, whatever, if you got a problem, you go to Taylor. She wants to play at the next level and when Taylor puts her mind to something, Taylor does it. The urgency she’s playing with now has been contagious.”
Edwards also plays volleyball and golf for Durango High School and enjoys riding horses when she can find the time. She’s hoping to play basketball at the collegiate level and study elementary education with aspirations of possibly becoming a teacher one day.
The Demons (6-3) will be back in action Tuesday with a 7 p.m. game at Pagosa Springs.
jfries@durangoherald.com
Behind the Scenes
What is your favorite sports team?: UCONN women’s basketball.
What is your favorite sports movie?: Coach Carter.
Which teach or coach has had a great impact on your life?: Clint Chandler. He always allowed me to play different positions and help my development.
What is your favorite restaurant in durango?: Applebee’s.
Do you have any pets?: We have five dogs and a bunch of horses. Hotto, my barrel horse, is my favorite.
who is your favorite athlete?: Maya Moore.
If you could visit any place on earth, where would you go?: Australia.
wHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH?: Ryan Gosling.
What is your favorite book?: The Divergent Series.
What is your dream job?: I think I’d like to be an elementary school teacher.
