Braylon Taylor Wins Scooter Sherrill Award

Salisbury High School senior named Rowan County Player of the Year

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a high school basketball game, with the players' forms abstracted into angular, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Scooter Sherrill Award honors Rowan County's top high school basketball player, with Salisbury's Braylon Taylor earning the prestigious honor after a standout senior season.Salisbury Today

Braylon Taylor, a senior at Salisbury High School, has been named the Rowan County Player of the Year and awarded the prestigious Scooter Sherrill Award. Taylor had a standout senior season, leading the Hornets to the 4A state championship and earning MVP honors in the title game.

Why it matters

Taylor's award caps off an impressive high school career and cements his legacy as one of the top basketball players in Salisbury history. The Scooter Sherrill Award is given annually to the top player in Rowan County, making this a significant honor for the Catawba College commit.

The details

Taylor averaged 18.5 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.5 steals per game for the 24-7 Hornets, who won their first state title since 1987. He scored a career-high 29 points in the 4A state championship game against Reidsville. Taylor finished his career as the 4th all-time leading scorer in Salisbury history with 1,415 points.

  • Taylor was recently presented the Scooter Sherrill Award by a committee of former Rowan County athletes.
  • Taylor led Salisbury to the 4A state championship game on March 11, 2026.

The players

Braylon Taylor

A 6-foot-2 senior guard at Salisbury High School who was named the Rowan County Player of the Year and won the Scooter Sherrill Award after leading the Hornets to the 4A state championship.

Albert Perkins

The head coach of the Salisbury High School boys basketball team.

Tristan Rankin

A North Rowan graduate who was part of the committee that selected Taylor as the Rowan County Player of the Year.

Darren Ramsey

A West Rowan graduate who was part of the committee that selected Taylor as the Rowan County Player of the Year.

Reggie Dean McConneaughey Jr.

A South Rowan graduate who was part of the committee that selected Taylor as the Rowan County Player of the Year.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, sir, this award is a great honor. There were a lot of really good players in Rowan County.”

— Braylon Taylor

“Obviously, Braylon has grown as a player every year. He's worked hard at it, he's gotten more explosive and he's gotten bigger and stronger. But what I was proudest of during his senior year was the way he took on the role of leading our team. He was a mentor, a huge help in bringing along our young guys.”

— Albert Perkins, Salisbury High School Head Coach

What’s next

Taylor is currently spending a lot of time in the gym preparing for the transition to college basketball at Catawba College.

The takeaway

Braylon Taylor's selection as the Rowan County Player of the Year and winner of the Scooter Sherrill Award caps off an outstanding high school career. His leadership, scoring ability, and impact on the Salisbury Hornets' state championship run have cemented his legacy as one of the top basketball players in the school's proud history.