GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Sisters
Taylor Richards and
Allyson Richards have more in common than their last names, their height, and their passion for basketball. For one, they share a competitive nature, especially when it comes to basketball.
One memory that is remembered well by both sisters is a certain one-on-one basketball match that took place while they were in high school. The two sisters would frequently play each other in one-on-one at their court at home. Being two years older, Taylor would win every time. Well, almost every time. One day, Ally pulled off the upset victory for the first time.
"We are both very competitive," Ally said of the competitions she had with her older sister growing up.
"For the record, the score is, like, 60 to one now" Taylor responded, referencing the all-time series between the two.
Despite the sibling rivalry, Taylor and Ally have enjoyed being on the same team. The 2018-19 season is the fifth season as teammates, dating back to when Taylor was a sophomore at Fruitport Calvary Christian and Ally, an eighth grader at the time, got moved up to the varsity team. The two standouts were coached by their father, Brad Richards, who was an All-American basketball player at Cornerstone in the early 90's.
"He's played a huge role in us" Taylor said of her father. "Being able to play in college (and) to be able to choose the college he wanted us to go to was a privilege."
While at Calvary Christian, Taylor and Ally both had their fair share of basketball accolades. Taylor was named First Team All-State in three straight years, including Class D Player of the Year as a senior. Ally was named First Team All-Conference four times and First Team All-State twice, just to name a few.
The Richards sisters accomplishments go beyond what is seen in the stat sheet and on the court. Taylor, a secondary education major, was named to the WHAC All-Academic team as well as NAIA Scholar Athlete in the 2017-18 season. Ally, graphic design major, was named to the WHAC Champions of Character team as a freshman.
Ally says being teammates with her older sister has made the seasons a lot more fun. "Our relationship has grown stronger through basketball. Basketball is our family thing...we are all so involved in it."
From Calvary Christian to Cornerstone, Taylor and Ally have enjoyed their time together as teammates. They will look to make the most of the remainder of their final season on the same squad.
Women's Basketball Contact: Seth Walters
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