Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Taya Trottier, Harlem basketball

The Harlem girls basketball team may only be 3-6 this season, but that should not distract from the season that Taya Trottier is having. In her senior season, the all-state player is averaging north of 20 points a game for the Wildcats. As one of the best players in Class B girls basketball, Trottier credits her father and coach, Brandon Trottier, for helping her become the player she is now.

"My dad pushed me so hard to become the athlete that I am today and all the countless hours we spent in the gym," Taya Trottier said. "All the time he's put into working with me and helping me."

Trottier has been playing basketball since the third grade. She initially began playing basketball with the boys as she traveled to tournaments to play. She eventually began playing basketball with girls and continued to hone her skill in different tournaments.

When she made it to high school basketball, Trottier helped the Wildcats reach success. In her freshman and sophomore seasons, the Wildcats went to back-to-back state tournaments. During the course of her three years at Harlem, Trottier has also been a member of several divisional and district champion teams.

Once her high school career is finished, Trottier will continue playing basketball close to home at Montana State University-Northern. She signed with the Skylights a few years back and she looks forward to getting on the court with her old Harlem teammate L'Tia Lawrence who is a freshman for the Skylights this season.

"I'm excited to play with her and just play with them all," Trottier said.

While at MSU-N, Trottier plans on studying either health science or health exercise science. Outside of school, Trottier tends to keep herself in shape with other forms of exercise such as volleyball and running.

The Wildcats continue their season this weekend with a home game against Wolf Point. The Wildcats look to avenge a 50-42 loss to Wolf Point earlier this season. In that game, Trottier led the Wildcats with 19 points. Before the rematch this Saturday, the Havre Daily News got the chance to ask Trottier five questions.

HDN: What is it like to be coached by your father?

Trottier: "It has its moments definitely. He definitely pushes me more and makes me a better leader for my teammates."

HDN: With this being your senior season, what have you enjoyed the most about it so far?

Trottier: "Definitely hanging out with my teammates and playing with them for the last time and just making as many memories as I can."

HDN: What do you hope to accomplish the rest of the way?

Trottier: "I hope to make it back to the state tournament and get past divisionals and continue to come together as a team."

HDN: What's the hardest thing about basketball?

Trottier: "There's a lot of things but I just try to stay on the grind and work as hard as I can when I have the time."

HDN: When you play for the Skylights, how will having a former teammate with you help you transition?

Trottier: "It's probably going to help a lot especially with that chemistry that we used to have and it should help me on the court."