Courtesy: UNBC Athletics

By Ethan Ready

UNBC recruit

From Red Deer to University Way, TWolves announce commitment of Taylor Blais

Feb 1, 2021 | 11:42 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – It was a unique and unprecedented recruitment process for Taylor Blais.

Campus visits and identification camps were off the table due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite that, Blais found a way to narrow down her options and find a place to call home and a place to put her skills to the test.

“I have been searching for a while for the perfect program that I feel I am meant to be a part of. After some back-and-forth emails and calls with Coach Sergey and Coach (Mark) Johnson, I was left with a really good feeling about the Timberwolves. What stood out the most for me about UNBC was, first off, how amazing the facilities were for both athletics and academics. I did a couple virtual tours and I was amazed by everything I saw. After all that, I knew UNBC was for me.”

The 17-year-old is described as being a flame thrower from beyond the arc. In her Grade 11 season, Blais averaged 23.5 points per game on 40 per cent success from three. She also possesses the ability to break down defences off the dribble and finish at the rim, while additionally locking down defensively. She hopes that translates smoothly to the Canada West level.

“I am a shooter. I have spent countless hours in the gym perfecting my shot. Fans can expect me to be putting up some threes. Also, I am a very competitive person, so my drive and level of compete really shows on the court.”

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UNBC coach Sergey Shchepotkin acknowledges the recruiting process was unique this year, especially with uncertainty with the current roster and the inability to see prospective student-athletes in person. That said, Blais’ scouting tape jumped off the screen, and Shchepotkin’s conversations with his newest recruit revealed tremendous character and qualities beyond scoring the ball.

“I am incredibly excited to welcome Taylor to our program. In the recruiting process, two things stood out. Firstly, her ability to shoot the ball and create off the dribble, both of which she does at an elite level. Secondly, the work ethic and leadership she shows on and off the court. I look forward to watching her grow her game and become an impact player at the Canada West level.”

The Hunting Hills High School Lightning guard started to play the game in Grade 6, but didn’t truly fall in love with the sport until years later. Now, as a two-time Most Valuable Player award winner for the school program, she is thankful she pursued the passion that led her to the highest level of university sport in Canada.