Dynamic Duos: Wedergren and McGinnis-Taylor Want a Title of Their Own
Omaha Westside has been one of the most consistent programs in the state the last decade. A member of the state tournament field more often than not, including two state championships in the last five years, has made the Warriors…
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Continue ReadingOmaha Westside has been one of the most consistent programs in the state the last decade. A member of the state tournament field more often than not, including two state championships in the last five years, has made the Warriors one of the most admired programs in the state. Both of those titles were a big part of the legacy of current Wyoming Cowboy Quinn Weidemann, but she had a tremendous supporting cast, which includes seniors Ella Wedergrean and Jasmine McGinnis-Taylor, two senior leaders of this year’s squad that would like to have some hardware of their own.
“I am so excited to get back on the court in a game setting,” said Wedergran, a Rockhurst (MO) signee. “I feel like it has been forever since we played an actual game, and for it to be my last season is bitter sweet. I’m interested to see what this team is capable of. I think we have a lot more talent than people think.”
Wedergren and McGinnis-Taylor, an Illinois State commit, were part of the team that won the Class A state championship in 2018, but they have played together for much longer.
“Ella and I have played together since 5th grade. We started on the Westside feeder team together and played on that team through 8th grade, Ella and I played in the Boys and girls club all-star game as 8th graders. We also played AAU together, starting in 7th grade and through our freshman year at Retro Hoops here in Omaha,” Jasmine explained.
This wasn’t an accident.
“Our parents wanted all of the Westside girls playing together so we could build the bond and have the chemistry once we got to high school,” continued McGinnis-Taylor. “Abby Hellman, Brooklyn James, Ella and I have all always played together. We love each other and support each other through everything.”
Wedergren, a wing player, and McGinnis-Taylor, a strong, athletic post player, have skill sets that compliment each other very well. In Westside’s motion system that emphasizes ball movement, spacing and back door cuts, both of these players have found their niche for both themselves and the good of the team.
“Our system is set up to work for every player – our skills hopefully make it work a little better,” said McGinnis-Taylor. “We both play good defense and there to help if the other needs back up. We may have a couple of plays to take advantage of height differentials or jumping abilities.”
“Jasmine and I usually pick and roll well together so we try to incorporate that but majority of the time he (Coach Steve Clark) just lets us play our game,” added Wedergren. “I like that I can always throw it up and know she will get it. Not a lot of players are able to post up and release well, but Jas does. I think I pass very well to her so that would be what compliments her. She runs the floor hard and I’ll hit her with a pass and she converts it for a score.”
Being teammates for eight years will breed familiarity, and these two players know each other well.
“I love playing with Ellla because she is always positive and uplifting; she is a true floor general. She sees the floor well, is an excellent passer and playmaker. Because we have played together for so long, we know what the other is going to do and I am alway ready for that next great pass Ella is going to make,” said McGinnis-Taylor.
Westside has started the season off well, playing in a competitive tournament with state contenders Fremont and Lincoln Northeast. After convincingly taking care of the Rockets, Westside lost a tough game to Fremont, 50-43. However, there is a long ways to go, and both of these seniors feel good about their odds to add a trophy to their legacy for their senior year.
“I am excited about the season. We have nothing to fear or lose. Our team is strong and we love each other, and it has been so much fun playing with Ella, Abby and Brooklyn since fifth grade. Our goals are to play as a team, to love each other and to win another state championship,” said McGinnis-Taylor.
“Millard South, Fremont, and Millard North will be some of the harder teams that we will have to play this season,” said Wedergren. “Our team goals are to make it back to state and win it again.”