by Malcolm Butler
Faith.
It’s a part of Taylor Martinez’s life that she doesn’t take lightly.
And when making one of the biggest decisions of her young life, it’s something she leaned one heavily on in the decision to sign a national letter of intent to play college basketball at NAIA Bryan College in Tennessee.
With a room filled with family, friends and teammates, the Cedar Creek senior guard put her John Hancock on the paperwork Tuesday and did so with confidence.
“It was the faith, atmosphere and community,” said Taylor about why she ultimately chose Bryan College after also visiting Millsaps and Covenant Christian. “I feel like I connected with everyone on my visit, especially the freshman. Coach (Matt) Bollant was so adamant about his faith and the type of player that he wanted. I just fell into that.
“It really made a lot of sense to me. I felt like I was already a part of their community.”
Part of that community made the almost 10-hour drive to Ruston for the signing day event as Bollant was in attendance for his newest signee.
“I just love Bryan College,” said Bollant. “We try do it the right way. We try to honor God in everything we do. Our goal is to sign players like Taylor and their families. For me it’s a big deal when it comes to who the parents are and how they (fit).
“And we want driven, tough kids, and most importantly, ones that want to honor Jesus. Taylor is the full package. As soon as I met her, I loved her.”
Toni and Todd Martinez, who both serve as basketball coaches at Cedar Creek, have had the front row seat to Taylor’s basketball journey since she first picked one up at age seven.
“It is special to see the work that she has put in come to fruition,” said Toni. “To see her be rewarded for that. Todd and I have been coaching for a long time so we have seen a lot of kids work and not be rewarded with a scholarship so to be able to see our own daughter go through the trenches and be rewarded … I got emotional this morning when I woke up.
“I knew it was an amazing thing to see all her work and dedication make her dreams come true. We are excited for her to get this opportunity.”
After playing her first two years of high school basketball at Benton High School, Taylor transferred to Cedar Creek prior to her junior season. She averaged 7.0 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game while helping lead the Lady Cougars to a 29-4 record, the District 1-1A title and an appearance in the Select School Division IV title game.
“Taylor is one of the most deserving student athletes that I have ever had the privilidge to coach,” said Lady Cougars head coach Katie Hall, who played high school basketball with Taylor’s mom Toni at Byrd High School. “It’s extra special to me because this entire family means a lot to me.
“This kid is just different. She is different in the way she leads. Her competitiveness, her court vision, and her ability to lead really stand out. She is the kind of player every coach dreams of having on their team. She makes everyone around her better.”
Taylor said that Tuesday’s signing was just another step in her basketball journey as she prepares for the start of her senior season with the Lady Cougars.
“Today definitely means a lot,” said Taylor. “I have put a lot of work into this. I have put a lot of time, sweat, and tears into it. After everything, today it feels like it was all worth it. I didn’t know if this day would come, but it feels really good to have done it and to say that I met the goal that I set when I was little.”
Bryan College competes in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. It is located in Dayton, Tennessee.
