Buffs Add Taylor and Wetta
BOULDER – Colorado women's basketball head coach JR Payne concluded another recruiting cycle on Wednesday, announcing the addition of two new Buffaloes for 2021-21.
Payne and her staff celebrated the additions of Kennedy Taylor and Kindyll Wetta, both high school seniors who will join the Buffs next fall.
"We are extremely excited to announce the signing of two remarkable young ladies in the class of 2021," Payne exclaimed. "Kindyll and Kennedy both embody so many great qualities that we prioritize in our program. They have impeccable character; they're great teammates and they're extremely competitive. I have zero doubt that they will have a huge impact on our program and Buff community for years to come."
Taylor, a 6-foot-3 forward, from Shawnee, Kan., helped lead Shawnee Mission Northwest to a 19-6 record last season. She averaged 15.1 points and 9.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game last season. She's ranked the No. 3 player coming out of Kansas by Prepgirlshoops.com and was a First Team All-State selection. Taylor, a four-year letterwinner for the Cougars, recorded 14 rebounds in the state quarterfinals. She recorded several accolades last season including First Team KBCA All-State, CJ Online All-State Basketball, Second Team Wichita Eagle and a DiRenna Award Finalist as one of the most outstanding high school basketball players in the greater Kansas City area.
Taylor also played club for the KC Dream Running Angels.
"Kennedy is a great fit for what we want and what we need in the class of 2021," Payne commented. "She is a true low-post threat and also brings a level of athleticism and versatility that will allow her to impact the game offensively and defensively. She loves to be challenged and strives to be the very best she can be. Kennedy's potential on the court is off the charts and we are so excited to get her to Boulder where we can start working with her."
Wetta, a 5-foot-9 point guard from Castle Rock, Colo., comes to Boulder as the No. 16 ranked point guard in the nation by ESPN. She's a three-time letterwinner in basketball Valor Christian, helping the Eagles to a 25-2 record last season. Wetta averaged 13.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game her freshman season. She shot 57 percent from the field and averaged 18.6 points per game as a sophomore. Wetta was a First Team All-Jeffco selection as a junior, averaging 13.2 points and 4.6 assists per game.
Wetta also played club basketball for Colorado Premier, coached by former NBA star Keith Van Horn, and Mile High Magic. Her mom, Valerie (Johnson) played for the Buffs under legendary head coach Ceal Barry.
In the classroom, Wetta is a three-time summa cum laude and boasts a 4.4 GPA.
"We have been waiting for the day that we could announce Kindyll's commitment for a long time now," Payne added. "Kindyll is hands down one of the best players in the state and we couldn't be more excited to that she chose to stay home and represent the great state of Colorado. Kindyll's competitiveness, tenacious mindset and desire to be great are unmatched and that will allow her to compete at the Pac-12 level immediately. I have every expectation that Kindyll will be an impact player for us."
The Buffs along with the rest of the NCAA is anticipating the start of the 2020-21 season. No schedule has been released as of Wednesday, but games across the nation can begin on Nov. 25.