IExcel Barbot twins Q&A

It’s always entertaining to watch sibling rivalries play out on the court. But in this story for Taylor & Taryn Barbot, they form a heck of a dual for St Mary’s High school basketball team. Both athletic guards are ready to take their team to the next level in the CHSAS. The sisters played a pivotal role in the Gailes Championship run as freshman. Lock these names away both players will be scholarship worthy athletes. NYGHR got a chance to do a Q&A with them. 
 
 
 
When and how did you start playing basketball?
 
(TARYN)
We were involved in multiple sports when we were young, I was introduced to basketball around six years old.  We eventually started playing at a program that helped with the development of young children (Positive Direction). From there we went on to the local CYO team St. Clare’s which was a boys’ team.
 
 
 
(TAYLOR)
I started playing basketball at around six years old. I would go with my father to the park and watch him play and that started my love of the game. I was involved in softball, tennis and swimming but basketball held my interest. 
 
 
What are some benefits of being twin teammates and advantages?
 
(TARYN)
Some advantages and or benefits is that I know ahead of time what she is thinking before some of our teammates. In game situations my sister knows where to find me on the floor.
 
(TAYLOR) 
We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and we can work out together.
 
 
How was my experience playing basketball with Coach White?
 
(TARYN)
My experience this year was awesome. Coach White made it easy for us to transition to the varsity level.  Coach White pushed us every day to get better, he instilled in us to be accountable, and make our teammates accountable. It resulted in a Nassau/Suffolk Championship.
 
(TAYLOR)
 
It was a really good experience and Coach White taught me a lot. He is helping me to become a team leader. He trusted me as a freshman on the court during pivotal times which helped with my confidence as a player.
 
When did you realize you had a chance to be good at playing hoops?
 
(TARYN)
I believe I had a chance when I started holding my own during training with some of the better girls in the NY/NJ area. I also had opportunities to play with girls who were in high school and college which helps in my development.
 
 
(TAYLOR) 
I realized I had a chance at being good when I started training at Teamfootprintz on a regular basis. The level of competition in the gym is amongst the best in the city. I also got a chance to train in New Jersey with some of the best players from all 
 
 
What is your pregame routine?
 
 
(TARYN)
I normally have a meal or a snack.  Then I take a nap usually on my way to the venue.
 
 
(TAYLOR)
 
My pre-game routine consists of having a small meal. Then I focus on who I am playing against. This helps me get in a zone mentally. I then go stretch and warm up in preparation
 
 
What is a regular school day like before the pandemic and how is it now in the pandemic?
 
(TARYN) 
Before the pandemic I would get up at about 5:00 A.M. prepare for school. The day would end about 3:00, study hall, then practice and or games and would get home around 8 P.M.
 
During the pandemic my day starts around 8 A.M. and it seems like we have more homework and the academic day goes on much longer. In the afternoon I do zoom training with Coach Tiny Green and Mark Williams from Teamfootprintz. I also workout with my sister, father and my uncle. 
 
 
 
(TAYLOR)
Before the pandemic, I would go to school, at the end of the day there is study hall and that is dependent if there is practice or a game. If no practice or game, then I would go home finish all my work then go to training in the evening  
 
Now I get up and do schoolwork and then work out on my own which includes form shooting and calisthenics. In the evenings I do zoom workouts with Mark from Teamfootprintz or Coach Tiny Green from NBS.
 
 
What do you think was the biggest growth in your game to getting scholarship offers or the biggest growth?
 
(TARYN)
The biggest growth in my game has to be my rebounding and being more confident with my shooting.
 
(TAYLOR) 
The biggest growth to me has been becoming more of an offensive player. I am a pass first point guard but now I can create my own shot. I am perfecting my mid-range game so defenses will be kept off balance.
 
 
 
What part of your game do you want to improve on?
 
(TARYN)
I would love to improve on my all-around game, one specific area would be defense.
 
(TAYLOR) 
I want to become a well-rounded player. and continue to grow as a leader on the floor.
 
 
 
What schools are recruiting and offering?
 
(TARYN)
No offers yet but I have been talking to coaches recently.
 
(TAYLOR)
No offers yet, but communicating with coaches from the ACC, A 10, CAA and MEAC conferences.
 
 
 
 
Did you visit any colleges? 
 
(TARYN)
Unfortunately, no because of the pandemic
 
(TAYLOR)
I have not visited any schools due to the pandemic but looking forward to visiting as soon as I can.
 
Who do you think you model your game after?
 
(TARYN)
My game is modeled Kawahi Leonard and Klay Thompson.
 
(TAYLOR) 
 I pattern my game after Patrick Beverly defensively and Kyrie Irving on offense.
 
 
 
What are you looking for in a college?
 
(TARYN)
 
Looking for good academics and family atmosphere. 
 
 
(TAYLOR) 
 I am looking for a good academic school and a team where I can make an impact and in turn that team will challenge me. 
 
 
Taryn Barbot 
5'9
St. Mary's High School 
2023
Iexcel AAU
IG: tornado_twin1
 

Taylor Barbot
5'8
St. Mary's High School
2023
Iexcel AAU 
IG: tornado_twin_