Blooming Prairie’s Hagen finding her ground at University of Northern Iowa
Published 9:40 pm Thursday, December 24, 2015
Blooming Prairie’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder is playing the smallest role she’s had in her basketball career, but she’s doing it on a very big stage.
Blooming Prairie grad Taylor Hagen puts up a shot for the Univeristy of Northern Iowa against the University of South Dakota this season. Photo provided by UNI
Taylor Hagen, who finished with 1,551 and 914 career rebounds in four years of varsity basketball for BP, has played off the bench in early on in her freshman season for Division I University of Northern Iowa. She’s appeared in 11 games and she’s averaging 1.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, .5 assists and .5 blocks per game for the Panthers (5-6 overall).
For now, Hagen is soaking everything in as she adjusts to playing basketball at the next level.
“The experience has been really good overall,” Hagen said. “As I get more experience, I’ll get a little more playing time. It’s been really fun and it’s been nice to get some help from the older girls.”
Hagen said the UNI captains do a great job of getting everyone on the team ready. Hagen has had to take in a lot of preparation as she is adjusting to playing off the bench, and she’s also adjusting to strictly playing in the paint. While at BP, Hagen played multiple positions and there were times when the team had her bringing the ball up the court.
“It’s different, but I’m definitely accepting my role,” Hagen said. “I understand what they need me to do and i”m having a lot of fun with my role.”
Hagen said the Division I game is much more physical and up-tempo. Players have to get up and down the court a lot faster to keep up with the action.
While playing AAU with top competition helped Hagen prepare for playing against quality players, it took a little while for her to adjust with everything else that comes with playing Division I basketball.
“The nerves disappeared after the first couple of games, but they were definitely there early on,” she said.
Hagen said the Panthers are hoping to have the best season they possibly can. She also said that the group has gained team chemistry early on.
“It’s different, but we’re already a family,” Hagen said. “We’re a tight knit group and all of us freshman live really close to each other in the dorms. We’ve grown together really quickly.”