In his final season of scholastic boys basketball, Mission Bay senior Trae Taylor is looking to go out on top. Taylor, a 6-feet 7-inches tall senior forward, has been a key part of head coach Marshawn Cherry’s team.
“Trae has been a varsity basketball player at Mission Bay for three years, not playing at all his first year,” Cherry noted. “He was splitting duty on the JV as well and playing about one minute per game behind Ronnie Latting, a three-year starter.”
But as his playing time grew, Taylor asserted himself.
“Trae has been our leader on and off the floor,” Cherry said. “He has shown how to lead by example with hard work on the court and in the classroom, carrying over a 3.5 GPA. He is a true student-athlete. He’s our force inside the paint with his thunderous dunks and timely blocks.”
Heading into the latter part of February, Mission Bay was looking to secure a berth in the CIF playoffs. For Taylor, to go out on top his final season would certainly be a dream come true.
Beach & Bay Press recently caught up with Taylor for an interview.
BBP: How old were you when you first began playing basketball and what got you interested?
Taylor: Basketball runs in my family so I’ve been playing it for as long as I can remember. I never took it seriously until I came to Mission Bay and now it’s become my life. All I want to do is get better.  
BBP: Coming into this season, what have you been looking to accomplish?
Taylor: My first goal for my senior season is to win the Division I CIF championship and my second is to get to a college that’s a good fit for me. 
BBP: Do you have any NBA players you try and pattern your game after and if so why?
Taylor: I’ve watched a lot of players throughout my life like Lebron and Kevin Durant. This season, I’ve watched a lot of Kobe Bryant video just for his killer instinct which I’m trying to build. 
BBP: Any college plans next fall and hopes of playing basketball?
Taylor: Yes, I know coach Marshawn is working really hard off the court to get me to a school that would be a good fit for me. 
BBP: If you had any advice for boys coming out for the MBHS team next season, what would it be?
Taylor: Get in shape early and work as hard as you can when you get there for coach and he will work hard for you.