Taylor Byars Injured

[krichunaka]

Last season we were introduced to a fantastic freshmen class. Elizabethton's Chelsea Bowling and Kristen Powell contributed to the Lady Cyclones' Region One championship team. Chesnie Cox improved throughout the season, and played a huge role during tournament play for Unaka.

 

And there were others, that to attempt to mention all of them, would inevitably neglect one or many.

 

However, to slight none of the others, and due to varying circumstances, last season produced three, truly standout rookie players:

 

Chelsea Weddle played less at first, but became Hampton's primary post player by season's end. A relentless player with excellent positioning skills, determination, and leaping ability.

 

As a freshman, Happy Valley's Kara Bowling lacked only a consistent long-range jumper to become one of our area's best-ever offensive players. From what we've seen and heard, her range is improved to go along with her uncanny ability to draw contact and finish baskets better than most seasoned veterans. She's very special.

 

For three consecutive seasons Unaka has had a freshman win a starting assignment on opening day: In 2005-06 Kayla Winters started every game and keyed several wins for the Lady Rangers. In 2006-07 it was Natalie Johnson who started at point-guard, and contributed mightily in Unaka's run to sub-state.

 

Last season was no different. Considering minutes played and her total-team contributions at both ends of the court, no player in our area was better than Unaka's Taylor Byars. She has quick and lethal three-point range, handles the ball well enough that Coach Chambers often had her run the point; and her defensive hand-speed is second to none. She's a tremendous, all-around basketball player, with scholarship potential.

 

Monday's scheduled MRI will determine whether or not Taylor will be allowed to play the game she dearly loves this season. First reports, however, aren't very encouraging. For now, we can only hope those opinions are wrong, and that we'll see Taylor on the court again very soon.

 

Meanwhile we'll pray for her, and ask that you will too.

[The Highlander]

I hate to hear Taylor was injured. She is a nice girl, and a nice family. I'm assuming it was a knee? What happened? Best of luck, and let us know how the MRI goes.

 

The Highlander

[Cod]

I really hate to hear that, Unaka will definitely miss her on the court.

[superdaveosborne]

Wow,

 

I saw them play a couple of times last year that's a real shame!

[krichunaka]

Taylor's MRI confirmed the worst:

 

Her ACL is torn. And there's plenty more damage to surrounding areas.

 

To attempt to elaborate here on the severity or complexity to Taylor's situation

would serve little good, and in fact, could violate the Byars' right to privacy.

Suffice it to say, however, that her injuries are season-ending...

and those of you who have lived this experience know full-well, the physical

and emotional challenges ahead for this great student/athlete.

 

On the brighter side, we've seen it before - and qute often - and we've shared the

success stories: Whitney Bishop (who was literally told she'd be lucky to even

"walk normally" again); Kayla Blevins, Marti Bush, Renee Ensor, Mariah Pietrowski,

and many, many others. All recovered sufficiently to reach all-star status. Here's

to hope.

 

Taylor's mother wanted to pass along her heart-felt thanks for your many prayers

and well-wishes.

[worden55]

God bless her and her family, I wish her a speedy recovery. It will be tough at first, but in six months she will be good as new.