December 22, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Crean Lutheran freshman Taylor Feldman knew early it was going to be a special night

 Crean Lutheran freshman Taylor Feldman set a school record with 51 points.

Crean Lutheran freshman point guard Taylor Feldman made history Tuesday night scoring a school-record 51 points and accomplished the feat in front of her parents, grandparents and friends.

“When I left the court, my mom was in tears,” she said. “My dad had a huge smile on his face and he was so proud of me.”

Feldman’s grand-parents, who live in the desert but were able to attend the game, were proud too after watching Feldman lead the Saints to a 103-32 non-league victory over Orange at Crean Lutheran in Irvine.

“It was amazing, it felt so good,” Feldman said Wednesday night. “I loved having my team there with me and having them all supporting me.”

The previous Crean Lutheran record of 49 points was held by Allie Sciarra in 2008, according to Crean Lutheran Coach Kelsi Walker.

“I just started making all of my lay-ups so I said, ‘hey, I’m on,’ so I just kept driving and they kept on going in,” Feldman said.

Feldman’s teammates supported her from the start.

“They were cheering me on they kept dishing the ball to me because they knew I had the hot hand,” she said. “They moved the ball very nicely and we worked as a team, which was amazing.

“They were mostly lay-ups, I had a couple floaters which were mid-range and just one three and I had a lot of free throws,” she said.

Feldman’s previous best effort was a 33-point game against Fullerton.

The Saints (9-2 overall) are ranked first in this week’s CIF Division 4 poll and Feldman is one of the main reasons why. She is averaging 23.3 points a game, five steals and three assists a game.

“She is the most dynamic freshman I have ever coached,” Walker said. “Her leadership both on offense and defense pushes our team to play at a high level. She makes all those around her better.

“She is a great all-around athlete and chose to come to Crean to play multiple sports. In fact, she scored two goals in the varsity soccer game on Monday against Saddleback Valley Christian. She plays in soccer games whenever there is not a basketball conflict.”

Feldman, who plays forward on the soccer team, said she’s been able to work out a practice and game schedule that works for both teams.

Feldman says teamwork has led to the success of the basketball team. 

“We’ve been working so good together and we’re really close friends, which is really good and we have a special connection,” she said.

Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com