Junior guard Taliyah Johnson (3) has stood out both on the court and in practice this season, according to Lady Lancers’ head coach Kim Little. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Cordova Lady Lancers junior guard Taliyah Johnson loves the game of basketball. 

Whether she’s staying after practice to continue honing her craft with the guidance of Lady Lancers’ head coach Kim Little, or talking about her favorite aspects of the game, Johnson’s passion for the sport shines through. Her play on the court this season also reflects her willingness to put in the work necessary to improve, not just as a basketball player but as a team leader as well. 

Johnson, who currently leads the Lady Lancers in scoring at 12.0 points per game this season, has taken the next step in her development as a player and a teammate according to her head coach, who has been thrilled with the youngster. 

“I’ve seen a ton of improvement,” Little said regarding Johnson’s practice habits. “I’ve seen her become really locked in as far as practice goes. Before, she wouldn’t come in with the understanding of how important practice is, and now she comes in with a different mindset. She wants to work and she wants to be challenged. Definitely I’ve seen growth in her.”

Her passion for the game started at a young age, when her father introduced her to the game when she was six years old. Basketball, and athletics in general are a big part of her family dynamic, with family members and friends always encouraging her to pursue playing sports. Along with shooting hoops this winter, Johnson was a talented player on the Cordova girls flag football team this past fall as well. That football player mindset has apparently helped her on the basketball court, with Little praising her approach to basketball.

“I’m super impressed with her,” Little said. “I’ve seen maturity and growth. She brings energy, she brings leadership, and she brings a gritty attitude to the game.”

On the court, Johnson finds inspiration from two NBA players in particular whom she tries to emulate in Charlotte Hornets guard Lamelo Ball, along with Dallas Mavericks’ guard Kyrie Irving. She stated she enjoys the calm demeanor that Ball brings to the table, and enjoys the dribbling ability that Irving possesses.

“I’ve always wanted to be the female version of Kyrie (Irving) when it came to handles (dribbling),” she said. 

The young player certainly doesn’t lack the confidence necessary to excel, that's for sure. As long as she continues to display the strong work ethic and practice habits that have helped her improve this winter, there’s no reason to doubt she can take her game to the next level heading into her senior season next year. Her coach echoes that same sentiment.

“Going into next season I have very high expectations and hopes, knowing that could probably be her best year yet.”