ANDREW SALMI andrew.salmi@granitemedia partners.com
The Taylor High School boys varsity basketball team, under Head Coach Stephen Gibson, put it all together Friday, Jan. 19 as the Ducks won a 64-60 district thriller at home versus Manor New Tech High School.
“It means so much. We’re finally learning how to fight, deal with adversity and never give up,” Gibson said after the win. “We’re going to celebrate tonight but get right back in the gym tomorrow morning and get ready for La Grange.”
It was a back-and-forth affair throughout the night between the Ducks and the Titans in a game that came down to the wire. With Taylor down 35-33 to New Tech at halftime, the Ducks used a big third quarter to take a 52-45 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Down 60-59 late in the fourth quarter, the Ducks rose to the occasion down the stretch. Taylor junior T.J. Whybrew collected a pass from fellow junior Kylon Harris and knocked down a clutch three-pointer to give the Ducks a 62-60 lead. On New Tech’s next possession, Taylor freshman Landon Coulter stole the ball from a Titan player and passed to Whybrew for a layup at the other end to make it 64-60 with just 15 seconds left in regulation.
Whybrew led the way for Taylor with a team-high 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor, five made three-pointers, three steals and two assists.
Ducks senior standout Treos Richardson, who eclipsed 1,000 career points in a Taylor uniform in the game against New Tech, had a double-double effort as he finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocked shots.
“He’s relentless with his effort,” Gibson said of Richardson. “He’s a great leader, he’s grown a lot since I’ve met him and he’s willing to trust his teammates. I’m so proud of him.”
Taylor junior Eli Laurence also scored in double figures with 13 points and five rebounds, while Harris had a solid all-around night with nine points, a teamhigh seven assists, six rebounds and two steals.
The Ducks (9-15 overall record, 4-2 in district) are scheduled to travel Jan. 23 to take on the Leopards of La Grange High School. Taylor will have its next game Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. back at home versus Giddings High School
