Taylor outlasts Western to win, 56-45, in boys’ basketball

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Starting strong pays dividends. People reach for coffee and a good breakfast each morning if they want energy throughout the day. Motivated workers hit the ground running, avoiding the procrastination that can cause a crunch at the deadline.

The Taylor Titans took that strong start mentality against the Western Panthers on Jan. 17, and it made all the difference, as the boys basketball team sent their cross-county rivals packing with a 56-45 outcome in Taylor’s favor.

The win didn’t come without struggle for the Titans. Their first-half shooting was off the mark, yet they still led by 10 points after the first quarter and by eight at the half, 31-23. It was aggressive defense that made the difference for the hosts, as they forced 12 turnovers, keeping the Panthers from closing the gap.

In the second half, holding a comfortable lead, the Titans were content to slow the pace of the game. The stall tactic worked in the third quarter, as Taylor led 44-34 heading into the final stanza.

But Western wasn’t willing to wait any longer. The Panthers pushed in the fourth, hoping to make up for their low intensity earlier in the game. And at first, it looked like the deadline rush might work. They closed the lead to just four.

The comeback wasn’t meant to be however, as Taylor used its superior ball handling to kill Western’s momentum, find open shots, restore a comfortable lead, and burn precious seconds off the clock.

Taylor was led by a trio of strong scorers in seniors Javionne Harris (19 points), Drey McClatchey (14 points), and junior Keyshawn Galloway (14 points). With only six Titans hitting the court all night, these three shot 34 of the 41 attempts made by the team.

The Titans ensured their victory by playing clean, committing just six fouls all evening. This resulted in a lopsided affair at the line, as Western took (and made) just four free throws, while Taylor went 13-20 from the charity stripe.

Harris led Taylor with 12 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and a pair of blocks. McClatchey also had three steals. Senior Jacob Trueblood managed two steals.

For Western, the offense was led by senior Carter Biggs, who managed 16 points. Junior Brett Kallio added 10 points. Biggs also led his team with five rebounds and a steal. Kallio had six assists. Senior Levi Shoemaker also recorded a steal.

Western extended its losing streak to three on Jan. 24 with a loss to Indianapolis Metropolitan. At 5-9, the Panthers next travel to Clinton Prairie (4-9) on Jan. 31.

Taylor stumbled after its Western win, dropping a game to Riverside on Jan. 23. Now sitting at 10-4, the Titans host Sheridan (10-2) on Fri., Jan. 30.

See additional photos from this game, including galleries for both teams, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.