Blakelee Steeb | Echo
Last Saturday, the women's basketball team defeated Goshen 78-47 in Odle Arena. The team exemplified the familiar teamwork Taylor fans have come to expect this season from the No. 16-ranked team.
"From preseason conditioning to today, this team has stuck together as one family," said head coach Jody Martinez. "Their dedication to each other and for the team success has been awesome."
The Trojans raked the Maple Leafs early and kept them contained as the points for the purple and gold piled up. Sophomore Abby Buchs and freshman Lauren James collected 13 3-pointers out of the 16 in this game. Sixteen 3-pointers in a game is the season high for the Trojans.
While the points were a crucial factor in the victory, rebounds were also a deciding factor. Junior Kendall Bradbury led the team with nine rebounds to contribute to the team's total. The Trojans outrebounded the Maple Leafs 52-36.
With the triumph, the team earned at least a No. 3 seed in the Crossroads League tournament, which guarantees a home game for the first round of the tournament.
The victory over Goshen gave the team momentum for Senior Night against Huntington on Wednesday.
The Trojans participated in deforestation and defeated the Foresters 69-51. Bradbury led the scoring with 23 points, senior Cassidy Wyse followed with 12 and junior Aubrey Wright sank 11.
These points would be impossible without the total team effort the team has harped on all season. Senior Josie Cobb collected five assists on the night, and Wright followed close behind with four.
While the team has had a winning season, a few of their goals remain on the horizon.
"We want to make it to nationals for the first time in a while," Bradbury said. "We want to finish out the season strong and hopefully win the Crossroads League tournament."
Both Bradbury and Buchs would agree the team has made a valiant effort this season and each role has been filled. Throughout the remainder of the season, the team will focus on attitude, effort and growing through every opportunity.
The Trojans will be back in action tomorrow at Grace College at 1 p.m. for their last conference and regular season game. The Crossroads League tournament will start on Feb. 20. The Trojans will begin the tournament at home in Odle Arena.
"Photograph by Brad Timmerman"
