One of the first-ever Dark Horse signings completed by Clinton High School basketball coach Michael Boykin has just announced where he’ll be playing ball for the upcoming 2026-27 collegiate year.
Taelyn Moore, who played under Boykin for all four years at CHS, has signed with the University of Mount Olive. In his senior year, Moore averaged 7.9 points per game while pulling down 5.5 rebounds per game for the Dark Horses.
“I really think that’s a good place for me,” Moore said Tuesday, explaining his decision to play for Mount Olive. “Especially school-wise, I think the community is better; it fits me. I’ll go there, play ball, do what I’ve got to do, staying on top of my school work. Then, after that, I plan on staying for two years, and then moving on to the next level to go to Division One.”
Moore joins a Trojans squad looking to improve on a 10-19 finish last year, winning only seven of its 20 conference games in Conference Carolina play. While he’s attending Mount Olive, Moore plans to major in Sports and Business Management.
“I find that easier for me to do,” he said. “I found something that fits me; I like doing sports, so Sports and Business Management fits like a glove. I should be able to stay on top of that and keep my grades up while I’m doing that.”
Surrounded by family and friends during his signing-day announcement, he was congratulated by many. One of which was his coach.
“The biggest thing that I’ve seen from you over these last two years was the effort you put in the classroom,” Boykin told Moore. “That was major for me, and major for you also. We had that conversation that first year that this is the stuff we have to accomplish, and you did it. All those conversations we had in school about the things that you wanted to accomplish together, it just feels hard for me to have you here (reference to Moore going off to UMO) as my first signing as a high school coach. With the grit and determination that you showed, I appreciate you for that. Parents, I appreciate you guys for allowing me to be a part of his life to try to help him accomplish his goals. I think he’s going to be a perfect fit for Mount Olive.”
Boykin also added that if Moore ever needed anything, he and the coaching staff were a call away to support him.
As Moore makes his way off to college, he expressed excitement for this next chapter in his basketball career, and he noted the opportunity to reach the next level of competition is something he’s looking forward to testing.