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Salisbury, West Rowan Basketball Stars Honored
Braylon Taylor and Tiara Thompson named Rowan-Salisbury Schools Athletes of the Month
Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:47pm
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Braylon Taylor of Salisbury High School and Tiara Thompson of West Rowan High School have been named the Rowan-Salisbury Schools November/December Athletes of the Month. Both players recently surpassed the 1,000-point milestone for their respective schools and were named tournament MVPs after leading their teams to championships in the Dale's Sporting Goods Sam Moir Christmas Classic.
Why it matters
The recognition of these two standout basketball players highlights the strong high school basketball programs in Rowan County and the impressive accomplishments of these student-athletes. Taylor and Thompson's achievements demonstrate the dedication and talent of local players, which can inspire younger athletes in the community.
The details
Braylon Taylor, a 6-foot-2 combo guard for Salisbury, is averaging 19.3 points per game this season, second-highest in the county. He has now scored 1,188 points in his three-year varsity career, placing him eighth on the all-time scoring list for Salisbury/Boyden High School. Tiara Thompson, a 5-foot-8 point guard who has signed with UNC Wilmington, is averaging a county-leading 25.2 points per game for the undefeated West Rowan Falcons. Thompson has scored 1,199 points in her three seasons with the Falcons and was a key player on their state championship teams in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
- Braylon Taylor and Tiara Thompson were named the Rowan-Salisbury Schools November/December Athletes of the Month.
- Both players surpassed the 1,000-point milestone for their respective schools during the Dale's Sporting Goods Sam Moir Christmas Classic tournament.
The players
Braylon Taylor
A 6-foot-2 combo guard for Salisbury High School who is averaging 19.3 points per game this season, the second-highest in the county. He has now scored 1,188 points in his three-year varsity career, placing him eighth on the all-time scoring list for Salisbury/Boyden High School.
Tiara Thompson
A 5-foot-8 point guard who has signed with UNC Wilmington. She is averaging a county-leading 25.2 points per game for the undefeated West Rowan Falcons. Thompson has scored 1,199 points in her three seasons with the Falcons and was a key player on their state championship teams in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
What they’re saying
“Both athletes were named tournament MVPs after leading their teams to championships in the Dale's Sporting Goods Sam Moir Christmas Classic.”
— Ben Goins
The takeaway
The recognition of Braylon Taylor and Tiara Thompson's impressive accomplishments highlights the strength of high school basketball in Rowan County and the dedication of these student-athletes. Their achievements can inspire younger players in the community to strive for excellence on the court.
