Dec 4, 2024 3 min read

Name: Taylor Schumacher

School: McGuffey

Grade: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Schumacher’s week: It wasn’t a buzzer-beater or long 3-pointer, but a boring old free throw.

Despite the simple nature of how the feat was accomplished, Schumacher scored her 1,000th-career point at the foul line in the Highlanders’ 65-40 victory over Avella last Saturday in the Avella Tip-off tournament.

McGuffey won the tournament after defeating Burgettstown, 52-34, in the opening game Friday night.

The senior forward needed 15 points to reach the mark coming into the game. She added 11 more points to lead all scorers.

“It happened right after halftime,” Schumacher said. “They stopped the game momentarily, but then I was told that I have to shoot the second one. After that, I was able to celebrate with my teammates. It was not the most exciting way to get it, but it was nerve-racking. I am definitely glad I got it, but I was almost relieved because of all the pressure to get it.”

Another reason to celebrate: Schumacher not only scored her 1,00th-career point Saturday night, but she also pulled down the 500th rebound of her career, which made her the fourth player in program history to accomplish the feat.

Basketball players are usually in the headlines for scoring, but rebounding goes a long way in winning a game and catches the attention of the coaching staff and opposition.

Schumacher admits to using athletic ability and hustle in pulling down rebounds, but boxing out is also a key element.

“It was nice to get my 1,000th-career point and 500th-career rebound in the same game,” Schumacher said. “I would like to thank my teammates and coaches for all their help.

“I started playing basketball in third grade and I never thought I would get 1,000 or be as good as I am now, but once I started to play well my sophomore season, I felt like I had a good chance to get it.”

Keeping busy: Not only is Schumacher a key player for the Highlanders, but she competes in track and field during the spring. Her events are the discus, javelin and triple jump.

Schumacher appreciates the change from the chaotic pace of basketball to track and field’s relaxed vibe.

“Track and field is a lot calmer,” Schumacher said. “Of course, everyone wants to win and works really hard, but there is not as much yelling and everyone supports each other.

“We also have a really nice facility at our school, which helps out with training because we don’t have to go around to other schools. The track & field coach pressured me a little bit to do it, but I am glad I did.”

If basketball, track and field and academics don’t take up enough of her time, Schumacher feeds at her uncle’s farm and works as a waitress at Lone Pine Country Club.

“I usually go before or after practice to feed, and that depends on what time we have practice,” Schumacher said. “I usually work on the weekends and in the summers, plus I am a member of the National Honor Society, which means you are held to a higher standard in the classroom and must do a form of community service. I am a hydration engineer and student trainer.”

Schumacher is undecided on her college of choice, but she would like to continue her basketball career at the next level.

Compiled by Jonathan Guth