TEMPLE – The Taylor Lady Ducks season came to an end Thursday night in Temple after falling to the Connally Cadets 55-33 in the Area playoff game.
While the loss in the game was tough for the Lady Ducks, they emphasized an even bigger loss after the game.
“We are more upset that we are losing (Aliyana Chavis), our senior,” Lady Ducks head coach Lawrence Bailey said. “Everything we did this season was for her, and we are really going to miss her leadership and her voice next season.”
The Cadets started the game firing on all cylinders knocking down four threes to start the game to build an early lead. The Cadets’ defense was equally as aggressive as they played a full court press all game long to force several turn overs and 10 second violations.
Filled with a roster of juniors and seniors, the Cadets used their experience to apply pressure on the young Lady Ducks team. With pressure in their face the whole game, the Lady Ducks did not back down and fought all four quarters.
“They always fight, from a coaching perspective I saw things a little bit different, but they did fight to try to find a way to stay in the game,” Bailey said.
Bailey said he knew the Cadets would be a tough team to play and told his team there was no pressure for the game.
“I told them everyone counted us out and we were not even supposed to be here,” Bailey said. “There is no pressure to win. If we win, great, we’ll go to the next round. If not, then we still accomplished more than anything anyone gave us credit for.”
In the second half, the Lady Ducks were able to find a little bit offense, but the Cadets quickly halted any momentum they tried to build. The Cadets continued to stay red hot from three-point land and extended their lead in the final quarter.
When it was all said and done, Bailey was content with his team and their season. Bailey said he never dwells on the accomplishments during the season and now that it is done, he can take a step back and really take it in.
“I did not think this team would get as close as they did, and it was amazing to see throughout the season,” Bailey said. “We won the district championship, which is something no one thought we could do. They did it and they earned it, and I am very proud of this group right here.”
Upon re-entering the gym from the locker room, the Lady Ducks were met with a loud ovation from their parents leading to a very emotional scene.
Only losing one senior, the Lady Ducks look to build on this year’s success next season.
