ANDREW SALMI [email protected]
TEMPLE — The Taylor High School girls varsity basketball team had its storybook 2023-24 season come to a close Friday, Feb. 16 as the Lady Ducks fell 55-47 in an overtime heartbreaker to Waco Connally High School in the 4A area round of the playoffs.
“What a season to have in my third year as a head coach. I have a great group of girls and coaches. Couldn’t have done it without them,” said Taylor Head Coach Lawrence Bailey. “Proud of our accomplishments as a program. Thankful for the support we received. I’m going to miss the group. We were not done, but I truly enjoyed it.”
The Lady Ducks got off to a solid start in the first half as they led 16-12 after the first quarter and maintained a 27-23 lead going into halftime over the Lady Cadets. Connally rallied in the third quarter to take a 39-36 lead but Taylor continued to fight and forced overtime tied 44-44.
Taylor was down two starters in overtime due to foul trouble and Connally was able to take advantage of the absences and defeated the Lady Ducks in the area round for a second straight year to make the regional quarterfinals.
In the hard-fought loss for Taylor, the Lady Ducks were led by sophomore Madyson Mitchell with a team-high 16 points and eight rebounds, while senior Ansley Reed also scored in double figures with 12 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists. Fellow senior Asia Zachary added seven points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Be sure to check out this weekend’s edition of the Taylor Press sports section for Taylor girls basketball all-district awards.
