Prospect Spotlight: Taylor Claussen (2021)

<span style="font-weight: 400">One of the state’s most versatile forward prospects, Manhattan 2021 forward <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/taylor-claussen/">Taylor Claussen</a> is poised for a breakout junior season after a strong offseason running with Wheat State Elite.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">A 5’11 forward, Claussen brings a well-rounded skill set to the floor, along with an old-school game. She takes pride in doing whatever it takes to help her team win and considers herself to be a multidimensional and physical player.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">A year ago, Manhattan went 14-7 overall and the Lady Indians are already off to a 2-1 start this season with wins over Great Bend and Hays.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">“My high school season last year did not end quite how I would have liked but am still proud of my team and our effort on the court,” she says. “Last year was my first varsity experience  joining a very talented senior class so I definitely viewed my status as a role player willing to do whatever was needed. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400">“After losing our talented senior class, I look forward for the opportunity to try to fill a leadership position on the team. At MHS we always expect to compete for the league championship and to make a run for a state championship.”</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">Claussen says running with Wheat State Elite during the offseason helped her game grow as the program won 19 of 27 games and capped the summer with an 8-0 performance at the MAYB National Championship.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">Claussen says the biggest influence on her basketball career to date has been her older sister.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">“She has amazing basketball IQ and incredibly hard working,” Cluassen says. “She was someone I could count on to help me improve my game and give me the tough love even when I didn’t want to listen.”</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">A fan of Laurie Koehn, Sue Bird, Elena Delle Donne, Nicole Ohlde, Claussen says she is also a fan of all several players she has met over the years. </span><span style="font-weight: 400">“All of these players have incredible heart and a dedication to the game that is truly inspirational,” she says. “I strive to put the same dedication into my game.”</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">Claussen does not currently hold any offers but has drawn interest from several Division II and mid-major Division I programs for both basketball and track.</span> &nbsp;