Alcoa’s Takayah Gilmore signs with Roane State

Alcoa High School senior Takayah Gilmore signs a National Letter of Intent to continue her basketball career at Roane State Community College last week. With Gilmore are Roane State coach Monica Boles, seated. Standing are, left to right, aunt Angela Gilmore, holding cousin Tareca; cousin Samantha Gilmore; brother Akeem Gilmore; cousin Isaiah Gilmore; and cousin Tyra Gilmore.

Speed, athleticism and a pull-up jumper capable of really big numbers.

Roane State Community College coach Monica Boles was impressed with each of those things when it came to recruiting Alcoa High School senior Takayah Gilmore. The thing Boles was happiest with, though, after Gilmore affixed her signature to a National Letter of Intent last week at the high school was the Lady Tornado point guard’s work ethic and her toughness.

“I’m looking for her to make an immediate impact,” Boles said. “I think she’s got the athleticism. I think she’s a great get for us. She never lets anything get to her and she’s mentally tough.”

The 5-foot-4 Gilmore, cousin of former Alcoa and University of Kentucky receiver Tyrus Gilmore, went out with a bang her senior season with the Lady Tornadoes. The jet-quick guard pumped in 15.2 points per game over five postseason contests that saw Alcoa fall one point short of a sectional berth in a region semifinal loss to Austin East.

Gilmore’s final two outings were withering, including a 19-point outburst in a region quarterfinal win over Fulton and a game-high 22 in the loss to the Lady Roadrunners.

Signing with the Raiderettes was easy after a visit to Roane State’s Harriman campus, Gilmore said.

“I just loved it really,” the All-Blount County selection said. “It’s close to home, and I really liked the coach.”

A two-year stay at Roane State may not be the last stop for Gilmore, Boles said.

I definitely think she’s got the opportunity to go some place,” she said. “The sky’s the limit for her.”