The Taylor Ducks varsity boys basketball team is heating up after going undefeated in the Giddings Tournament on Dec. 27-28. Senior guard TJ Whybrew led the charge, averaging 23.5 points per game over the four-game stretch as the Ducks defeated Lexington, Sealy, Cuero, and Giddings.
Taylor vs Lexington
The Ducks’ offense came out firing in the tournament opener, defeating the Lexington Eagles 68-39 behind 44% shooting from the field. Three Taylor players scored in double figures, with Whybrew leading the way with 22 points. Senior forward Eli Laurence added 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while junior guard Kadrien Dreary chipped in 14 points. Defensively, the Ducks held Lexington to just 28% shooting.
Taylor vs Sealy
Whybrew delivered another standout performance in the Ducks’ 67-53 win over the Sealy Tigers. Both teams were evenly matched in the first half, but Taylor broke the game open in the third quarter, building a double-digit lead it would not relinquish.
Dreary scored 17 points, and Laurence contributed 11 points as Taylor shot 47% from the field. The Ducks’ defense stifled Sealy’s offense, holding the Tigers to 30% shooting.
Taylor vs Cuero
Taylor faced its toughest test of the tournament against Cuero but held on for a 54-48 victory. Whybrew once again led all scorers with 22 points, while Dreary added 15. Senior forward Harrison Tate anchored the defense with a team-high six steals and also chipped in six points.
Taylor vs Giddings
The Ducks capped off their dominant run with a 57-39 win over the Giddings Buffaloes.
Taylor took control in the third quarter, outscoring Giddings 28-13 to secure another double-digit victory.
Whybrew scored 23 points on 57% shooting, while Laurence added 11 points and Dreary contributed 10. The Ducks shot 45% from the field while holding Giddings to 37%.
Taylor improved to 10-6 on the season and will resume district play on Friday, Jan. 3, with a road game against Lampasas. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
