Prospect Spotlight: K’Ja Talley
As her senior season approaches, K’Ja Talley is on a mission to help continue the success of the Warren Central girls program. As a junior last season, Talley averaged 10 points per game and 7 rebounds per game on an 18-3 team that suffered a two-point loss to North Central in the sectional championship. That team featured star point guard Shalia Beeler who is now at IU and 6’5 center Cyndi Dodd who is now at Michigan State. With their departure that leaves big shoes to fill and Talley is up for the challenge.
Even with all talent Warren has had, Talley found a way to put the ball in the bucket her first three years of high school. Right now she is 269 points away from 1,000 points, which she said was one of her personal goals for the coming season. As a team, Talley would like to see Warren “stay together, get everyone involved, and play hard all game.” Many people expect to see Warren take a step back this year and Talley is working hard to change that. She spent the summer playing with Lady Team Teague playing against “several of the nation’s top teams and players in AAU.”
Since last season’s sectional heartbreak against North Central, Talley has been in the gym working on her game. Talley said she has put an emphasis on “shooting and creating her own shot.” Talley will have fill big shoes in the scoring column with last season departures from Warren Central. Improving her ability to score from all three levels will be essential to the success of her team this season. In June, Talley and her Warren Central teammates spent time playing tough competition and improving. Talley considers her biggest strengths to be her ability to attack the rim, rebound and defend at an elite level. Her basketball IQ also sticks out among other players.
Talley has the upside and potential to play at the college level and is waiting on someone to take a chance on her. She is looking to turn heads in her senior season and continue the success of the Warren Central program. With Talley’s intangibles and skill set, we can expect to see a big year from her.
“I’m looking forward to having a complete season and going all the way, but it starts off in practice. Working hard and playing together.”