Jake Winfrey

jwinfrey@cullmantimes.com

One of the area’s most talented prospects is officially off the board.

Fairview’s Taylor Ann Yeager announced her commitment to the University of Alabama in Huntsville on Tuesday, choosing to continue her basketball career with coach Andrea Lemmond and the Division II program beginning in 2018.

“I decided to commit now to take some pressure off for the upcoming year,” she said. “I won’t have to worry about it. I’m excited.”

Yeager produced an excellent junior season, averaging 15.2 points, 4.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game for the Lady Aggies, who finished with a program-best 28 wins. The Purple and Gold also picked up their first Cullman County Tournament title since 1982 en route to their first-ever Elite Eight appearance at the Northwest Regional Tournament.

Yeager, who also tallied 138 steals and was named a Class 5A All-State honorable mention, will enter her senior campaign with 1,533 career points.

Former Cullman standout Baylee Johnson led UAH in scoring as a sophomore with 11.4 points per outing. Cold Springs’ Emme Willoughby, a three-time All-State selection and twice All-Area Player of the Year, will also join the Lady Chargers during the fall.

The success of her fellow athletes and future teammates can’t help but bring a smile to Yeager’s face.

“I’m so glad they are there,” she said. “I can’t wait to play with them.”