For most basketball players, the summer is an opportunity to rest, however the Taylor Lady Ducks are working to prepare for next season.
The team has competed in summer league against larger schools, and according to Head Coach Lawrence Bailey, the team is learning to compete with adversity while staying focused on the floor.
“First week of summer league, the girls struggled. They are out of shape and mentally have to get back checked in again. They are going against really good competition in the Stony Point League,” he said. “We are the only small school in it going against 5A and 6A schools. They got punched in the mouth in the first half against Stony Point. Then in the second half the girls woke up and started playing some good basketball.”
The Lady Ducks came back from a 15 point deficit to only lose by five. Bailey said senior Kionayh Rivers led the way with blocks, scoring and playing the point guard position.
“I am putting her in a different role next year. I believe she can handle it,” Bailey said.
In addition to the league in Round Rock, the Lady Ducks are also playing in a league in Granger with games played in Taylor. They fell to a “fast-paced” Savio team from Cedar Park, who beat the Lady Ducks two years ago in the Jarrell tournament.
Bailey said although they have some loses over the summer, the seniors are learning to lead.
“Next year we will be lead by our seniors Sophia Fisher, Kionayh Rivers, Molli Kennick, Ursula Rydell and Zakaya Frederick,” Bailey said. “We will lean on our underclassmen, Madyson Mitchell, Aubri Alderete and Samantha Schroeder, to help us get over the hump.”
As the summer continues, the team is starting to get back into basketball shape and continuing to grow.
“I expect the girls to keep working on their game with summer league play. I want them to realize they have work to put in over the summer,” he said. “Basketball is year round. I give them July to take a break from basketball, but I still want them to be active. Go lift weights and condition at strength and conditioning camp.”
The Lady Ducks want to compete for a deeper playoff run. After going undefeated in district and making it to the area round of the playoffs, Bailey said his team is working now to achieve their goal of a run at a state title.
“We didn’t accomplish our goal last year. We felt we let our seniors down this past season. We lost to Waco Connally again,” he said. “If that doesn’t motivate us to do more, then we are in serious trouble. Constant reminders and building up their confidence will also help. We will be less athletic next year but we will be more disciplined and more fundamentally sound.”
The Lady Ducks basketball team is continuing to work this summer. They are competing in summer league tournaments against larger 5A and 6A teams. Courtesy photo
