Washingtonville High School senior Malachi Taylor balances basketball, track and big ambitions

Washingtonville High School senior Malachi Taylor has plenty to celebrate. Named this year’s OCIAA Division II All-Star, he capped off his final season with standout performances and leadership that caught everyone’s attention. Yet, for Malachi, basketball is only part of the equation. His other passion lies in the demanding world of track, where he’s already set records and hopes to take home another state title this May.

While Malachi shines in multiple sports, he’s also planning for what comes next. He’ll decide between Monmouth University and University at Buffalo in the coming weeks, drawn by both schools’ strong business programs. Pursuing a degree in business was the obvious choice for Malachi, as it allows him to combine all of his life’s greatest passions into one career.

“My dad is a school teacher, my mom is a nurse and my sister is in college to become an elementary school teacher, plus I have a younger brother, so I’m basically surrounded by kids,” he explained. “And I want to open a sports training center for them. I really enjoy working with kids.”

Long before he dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur, Malachi fell in love with basketball and refers to the sport as his “first love.” He remembers joining the team at Washingtonville Middle School in the sixth grade, where he first began developing the skills that made him the athlete he is today.

His favorite moment this season happened during a game against Middletown, where Washingtonville was down by 20 points before making a dramatic comeback. Malachi scored 21 points and caught 10 rebounds to help the Wizards win by one.

Most of all, Malachi is proud to be a supportive teammate. “I communicated well with my teammates, scoring and passing the ball well,” he explained. “I feel like I played to my standard.”

Yet, basketball wasn’t his sole focus. Malachi also juggled indoor track. With both sports overlapping, each season comes with its share of mental and physical sacrifices.

“My schedule was packed,” he said. “Some days I had to choose between games or track meets, and my body definitely felt it, but it was worth it in the end. I still had a lot of fun with my teammates.”

Track, however, has been Malachi’s main sport since sophomore year, and his accomplishments so far speak volumes. He helped break Washingtonville’s school record in the 4x4, improving the previous time from 3:24 down to 3:20, and is a state qualifier for the 300, 400 and 4x4 events. As a sophomore, he was part of the 4x4 state champion relay team, and he’s determined to reclaim that glory this season.

For Malachi, track is just as much a mental challenge as it is physical. “Track is all in your head,” he explained. “Basketball is more about teamwork and unity. You need your teammates to win. But in track, it’s you versus you.”

Looking back on his high school career, Malachi has simple yet powerful advice for younger athletes pursuing varsity level basketball. “Time goes by so fast. Stay in the gym, spend as much time as you can with your friends playing basketball and enjoy it,” he said.

Malachi also offers heartfelt thanks to those who have supported him on and off the court: “I would like to thank Coach Malvey, Coach Steve, my family, friends and most importantly, God. They helped me get to this point.”

With college decisions looming and state meets on the horizon, Malachi’s days at Washingtonville may be winding down, but his future is just getting started. Whether he’s sprinting toward a record time or planning to open a kids’ training facility, this all-star senior is sure to make his mark.