Senior forward Eli Laurence and senior guard TJ Whybrew powered the Taylor Ducks varsity boys basketball team to a 51-46 victory over the Jarrell Cougars on Friday, Dec. 20.
Laurence and Whybrew each scored 18 points, shooting a combined 17-of-35 from the field.
The game was a back-andforth battle early. The Ducks faced a 9-7 deficit in the first quarter, but a fast-break dunk from Whybrew tied the score.
Taylor briefly held a 16-12 lead in the second quarter after a layup from Whybrew. However, Jarrell responded with a 9-2 run, taking a 21-16 advantage late in the period as the Ducks struggled offensively. The Cougars capitalized on Taylor’s woes, extending their lead to double digits at 31-20.
Junior guard Dayton Kennedy sparked the Ducks’ comeback in the second half with a three-pointer, igniting an 18-4 run that put Taylor ahead 38-35. Kennedy finished the game with six points.
Junior guard Kadrien Dreary also contributed seven points as the Ducks held onto their slim lead to secure the win in their first district matchup of the season.
Taylor shot 37% from the field overall and improved to 6-6 on the season and 1-0 in district play. The Ducks will take a holiday break before returning to action on Friday, Dec. 27, when they play Lexington at 9 a.m.
