Taggart Headed To Prep School in N.C.
Shawn Taggart, a defensive-minded 6-foot-10, 225-pound center originally from Richmond, Va. will reclassify and return to high school this fall. After excelling
at George Wythe High School, Taggart was not able to academically qualify for
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college and will hone his academics at Mt. Zion Christian Academy in Durham,
N.C. in 2003-04. Schools are still watching him intently however and will be
following his progress as a fifth year senior.
By registering at Mt. Zion, Taggart was able to participate in various events
this summer on and off the AAU circuit. He attended adidas ABCD Camp in New
Jersey and was recognized as one of the top posts in camp. In AAU play,
Taggart played with the Squires Richmond program in a number of tournaments,
getting a feel for his future Mt. Zion teammates since the likes of Glen
Dandridge and Albert Webber were also on the team. He also spent some time
this summer tuning up his game back home in the Greater Richmond Pro-Am Summer
League.
It's all been good experience for the young post who probably excels more on
the defensive end at this stage in his development.
"He's very aggressive," said Mt. Zion head coach Antonio Fozard. "He's more of
a defensive player right now, blocking shots, holding his man and things like
that."
Taggart has noted that his main priority will be to improve his academics at
Mt. Zion. But he will also be learning a number of things on the court, and
Fozard hopes to work with Taggart on improving his scoring ability - something
where his natural athletic ability will come into play.
"He needs to work on his post moves," said Fozard. "But he runs the floor like
a deer. He reminds me of Mohammed (Tangara) a little."
Even with Taggart returning to school, the recruiting interest has not died -
especially with Taggart's outstanding performance at ABCD. According to
Fozard, Taggart currently holds offers from Florida State, Miami (FL),
Richmond, Nebraska, DePaul, and Virginia Commonwealth. Kentucky, Georgia, and
Iowa are also very interested in Taggart's progress this season and will be
watching closely this winter.
The key with Taggart will be getting academically qualified. Be sure to keep
an close eye open for updates on his scores and his recruitment.
Jed Tai is a senior writer with Hoopville.com