As a freshman during the 2022–23 season, Fred Taylor came up big in pressure situations. In a Central Ozark Conference opener against district rival Carthage, Joplin head coach Bronson Schaake relied on freshman guards like Taylor late in the game. Joplin and Carthage were tied after every quarter, forcing overtime. Renfro drilled a half‑court buzzer‑beater to win, and the Eagles’ supporting cast made crucial plays.
Taylor’s sophomore season was derailed by injuries in 2023‑24. Ozarks Sports Zone’s winter preview noted that he averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in seven games because he was injured most of the year. Head coach Nick Pfeifer emphasized that Taylor’s quickness and attacking mentality would be vital once he returned, calling him “explosive” and expecting him and forward Brecken Green to attack the paint and rim. Healthy again, Taylor flashed his scoring touch in December 2024 when Joplin defeated Pittsburg 66‑53. Pfeifer said his team was aggressive offensively, shot well from three‑point range and rebounded. Taylor led the Eagles with 25 points, including three three‑pointers.
The 2024‑25 season highlighted Taylor’s growth. In a February 2025 double‑overtime win over Neosho, he scored 11 points in the first half and threw down a crowd‑raising fast‑break dunk in overtime. Taylor’s improved athleticism and finishing ability helped Joplin end a three‑game skid and improved the Eagles to 9‑11. Pfeifer praised his team’s effort and said the young Eagles could peak at the right time with continued belief and work.
As Joplin prepared for 2025‑26, Taylor emerged as the program’s unquestioned leader. Ozarks Sports Zone reported that he was the lone Eagle to earn postseason honors — a second‑team Central Ozark Conference selection — and he returned as a senior. The preview noted that Taylor led Joplin with 12.8 points, 2.4 assists, 3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game across 26 contests. Pfeifer said Taylor would again be “the key” for the Eagles’ production, adding that he led the team in scoring, assists and steals, had grown stronger physically and was shooting the ball as well as he ever has. With his combination of athleticism and work ethic, Pfeifer believed Taylor could compete as one of the area’s best guards.
The senior quickly showed that confidence was well‑placed. In a preseason jamboree against New Heights Christian in November 2025, Taylor banked in a three‑pointer for Joplin’s first bucket, threw down a break‑away dunk and converted an and‑one to secure a session win. The Joplin Globe noted that he, along with Green and David Bhend, was one of three seniors with starting experience and remained the team’s leading scorer. Pfeifer said the Eagles’ success would revolve around defensive intensity, rebounding, sharing the ball and offensive efficiency.
Standing 6’1” and wearing jersey No. 3, Taylor serves as Joplin’s combo guard, capable of playing point guard or shooting guard. His Hudl profile lists him as a Class of 2026 prospect, reflecting the delay caused by his injury‑shortened sophomore year. Taylor’s journey from freshman contributor to senior leader demonstrates resilience and growth. With a more mature supporting cast and a coach who trusts him to steer the offense, he enters his final high‑school season poised to leave his mark on Joplin basketball, whether through explosive drives to the rim or steady leadership that elevates those around him.
