Chastity Taylor gets invite for U16 national team

Outside of those in the girls basketball circle, the average fan might not know much about St. Anthony’s Chastity Taylor. But those who follow the high school circuit closely are well aware of Taylor’s talents and Long Island will know soon.

Taylor was one of 18 players nationally from the Class of 2014 invited to attend the 2011 USA Basketball Women's U16 National Team Trials. The trials will take place May 26-30 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Taylor played in seventh and eighth grade at Central Islip before transferring to St. Anthony’s. The 5-10 freshman transferred late and wasn’t eligible to play for the Friars until the final weekend of January, but she broke her nose in a practice and played in just five games.

“Her athleticism is off the charts,” St. Anthony’s coach Ken Parham said. “She plays with a smoothness that requires effort for others. She handles the ball well, she knocks down shots, goes to the basket and is strong for her age. She’s long and can score in a lot of ways. No one got a chance to see what she can do.”

Taylor’s best performance came in the CHSAA championship game against St. John the Baptist when she scored 10 points.

“That was just a small glimpse of what she can do,” Parham said. “She’s young. She’s only going to be a sophomore next season, but she’s talented. If you’re selected as one of 18, even if you don’t make it, just the experience and honor of being selected tells you a lot.”