Taylor Linzie is that rare basketball player that can do it all. The 5-foot-8 senior guard-forward demonstrated that point this season, contributing in a myriad of ways to a highly successful Bakersfield High girls team.
Linzie averaged 8.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 4.0 steals per game for a Drillers squad that went 30-3 and won the Central Section Division I championship.
“Taylor had a great season,” BHS coach Rashaan Shehee said. “She did her job as captain and led our team to another valley championship. Without her it doesn't happen. She impacted the game on both sides of the floor, and that's what makes her so special.”
There’s a fundamental reason for Linzie’s exceptional set of basketball skills, according to Shehee.
“She has some natural talent, but it's really her work ethic,” Shehee said. “Taylor works extremely hard. She's one of the first ones in the gym, last to leave and always putting in extra work. She has a high motor. She just doesn't stop.”
Linzie’s desire to constantly improve stems from her passion for a sport she played at the varsity level all four years of high school.
“You see her play and you're like, ‘Man this girl just loves the game,’” Shehee said. She truly loves it. You don't find that in a lot of kids nowadays.”