—Messenger file photo Webster City’s Taylor McKinney (4) will continue her basketball career at Iowa Central.

WEBSTER CITY — Taylor McKinney put together a memorable, record-breaking career as a member of the Webster City girls basketball program.

However, McKinney had self-doubt when it came to continuing her run on the hardwood following this past season.

That all changed for McKinney, as she has committed to attend Iowa Central and play for head coach Kelly Kruger beginning this fall.

“I was super hesitant to play college basketball and I think the reason why is because college basketball is a whole different story,” McKinney said. “After really thinking about it I told myself I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to bring my talent to the college level and miss out on something I would most likely regret.

“Iowa Central has always been on my mind since I was a freshman and sophomore in high school, and when I decided I wanted to play at the next level, the coaches were super welcoming to me and told me how excited they were that I was looking into their program. Coach Kruger runs the program so well and keeps in contact with me at least once or twice a week.”

As important as that was, McKinney had another reason for deciding on Iowa Central over interest from Grand View and Cornell.

“My family was one of the biggest reasons I chose Iowa Central,” she said. “They’ve always known how much basketball meant to me and now playing at the college level, I really want them to be involved as well. So staying close to home was always something I looked into, especially with my dad still coaching for the boys here in Webster City. It helps with him being able to come to more of my games since I’m staying pretty close to home.”

McKinney finished this past season by earning all-North Central Conference honors after averaging 17.6 points per night. She scored 369 points with 67 rebounds, 31 steals, 30 assists and 52 made 3-pointers.

As a junior, McKinney broke the Webster City 5-on-5 scoring record with 1,340 points. She also finished with 212 rebounds, 177 steals, 163 assists and 188 made 3-pointers.

“This means more to me than anybody will ever know,” McKinney said. “I’ve never been more excited to be able to call myself a college basketball player after working super hard to get to where I’m at right now. I will really miss my time playing here for Webster City for sure because they were the greatest four years of my life, but to move on to college basketball is going to be a great opportunity for me.

“I’m really looking forward to just being able to play basketball on a whole new level and playing for Coach Kruger.”