All the world’s a stage for Providence’s Taylor Healy.
The 5-foot-10 sophomore forward is learning the art of a glittering performance, either on the basketball court or as a singer and actor.
“People say I’m different on the court than I am off of it,” Healy said. “I get a lot more aggressive and more physical with everybody.
“I’ve been doing theater and plays and singing since I was in third grade. I think being well-rounded with different things and meeting new people is important in life.”
Healy brought the Celtics to life Wednesday night, scoring 15 points and adding a team-best eight rebounds in a 64-36 victory over Hillcrest in pool play of the Marian Catholic Christmas Classic.
Senior point guard Molly Knight tallied 21 points, six assists and three steals for the Celtics (6-5). She had 12 points during a 30-point first quarter by Providence, which finished 3-1 in pool play.
Junior guard DaJha Johnson scored 18 points for Hillcrest (7-6). Junior guard Davia Cobb contributed nine points.
Healy scored 10 points during the first half, the recipient of a series of pick-and-roll plays with Knight. Healy used her body to shield the defender and explode to the basket.
Her quick decision-making and aggressive forays with the ball showed a newfound poise.
“Molly has really helped my game with how she has fed me the ball,” Healy said. “We’ve definitely worked on it since my freshman year, summer ball, and now during practice.
“I’ve been able to incorporate the different moves into my game.”
Knight sees a player who is more alert, capable and skilled at converting in the half-court game
“I felt like the help was connected to the shooters, so it was easy for me and Taylor,” Knight said. “Either I go all the way to the basket or I just dumped it off to her.
“My passes are difficult sometimes. Her left hook is very good, and she’s gotten a lot better at being able to finish them.”
Healy has a slightly unorthodox game as a natural left-handed shooter who leverages her footwork, balance and size to generate clean looks at the basket.
“I like to work on moves, make sure I have a very specific move that I do each game and make sure I finish it,” she said. “I try to use both hands, but I’m definitely more dominant with my left.
“People are so used to guarding right, I’m able to work over everybody.”
Her progression has become a significant narrative in the first month for the Celtics.
“Little by little, she is getting better,” Providence coach Eileen Copenhaver said. “She worked really hard over the summer, and she comes into each game letting me coach her.
“She takes instruction, criticism and suggestions very well.”
After seeing spot minutes last season as a freshman, Healy recognized the parts of her game that she needed to improve.
“It was scary being a freshman last season, playing all of these seniors,” she said. “As the year progressed, I worked on my game and got better.”
As a young performer who played Belle in a school production of “Beauty and the Beast,” she also knows how to command the spotlight.
With her year-round basketball schedule, Healy hasn’t been able to participate in Providence’s high school productions.
“I still take voice lessons once a week and I do concerts,” she said. “It’s all helped with my confidence, which has definitely gotten stronger this season.
“It’s completely different from basketball, but it has taught me about practicing hard every day, working on different moves. It helps me stay in shape year-round.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
