Prospect Spotlight: Taylor Claussen (2021)

PGH scouts feature ranked athletes from Kansas.

Israel Potoczny

December 15, 2019 @ 12:00 PM

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. 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. 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. “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. “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.” 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. Claussen says the biggest influence on her basketball career to date has been her older sister. “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.” 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. “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.” 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.