Connor Rowland | The Echo
Odle Arena said farewell to a trio of seniors Tuesday night when the Trojans defeated the Goshen Maple Leafs 73-55 in the final home game of the 2015-16 season.
Prior to the opening tip, seniors Kyle Stidom, Shakir Dunning and Jordan Richardson were honored for their careers donning the purple and gold. These three, along with the rest of the Taylor basketball squad, conquered Goshen-who received votes in the NAIA top 25.
Goshen (17-12, CL 9-8) had a lead over the Trojans (13-16, 7-10 CL) for a total of 40 seconds in the opening minute of the game but never regained the lead. The Taylor offense surged to a 14-2 run in the early going of this conference clash, a lead the Trojans would never relinquish.
"We really controlled that game," said head coach Josh Andrews. "This was the only game all season we've controlled from start to finish. We played with a mission Tuesday. I think it takes senior leadership to play that way. I give those guys a lot of credit."
Tuesday's game will go down in the record books in several categories. Senior Kyle Stidom logged his 35th game with at least 20 points and surmounted the 1,500-point mark in his career.
He joined exclusive company Tuesday night, eclipsing Alan Jones (1998-2002) for 16th on the all-time scoring list in Taylor basketball history, a feat that Stidom accomplished in just three years.
"I think it is a testament to my coaching staff and my teammates more than anything," Stidom said. "Also, it is a testament to all of the hard work I have put in. I'm just thankful."
Additionally, the Trojans dished out a historic defensive night. The squad kept the Maple Leafs to 55 points on 35.2-percent shooting, the lowest point and percentage total all year for the Trojan defense. The 55-point mark for Goshen was its lowest scoring output in over two years.
"Coach Andrews has always told us to 'stay on the pursuit' which is our thing for the season. Just keep pushing, just keep staying focused," Dunning said. "That is what we've tried to do."
The starting lineup for both Taylor and Goshen scored exactly 49 points apiece. The X-factor in the game was the bench, a huge contributor for Taylor that put the Trojans on top after the final whistle.
Taylor's bench netted 24 points compared to Goshen's six. Sophomores Keaton Hendricks and Vivian Aiken provided bursts off the bench and combined for 15 points on 60-percent shooting and nine rebounds. Richardson and sophomore Tim Fleming controlled the point guard spots and provided the team with scoring opportunities throughout the night.
"Our starters got us off to a hot start last night to really set the tone for the rest of the game," Richardson said. "Our bench did a great job of maintaining that energy."
When the score clock hit all zeros, the Trojans were victorious by a score of 73-55. Defense and bench play were critical for Taylor and ultimately spurred the team to victory.
The Trojans punched their ticket to the league tournament with the win and will close their regular season in another pivotal matchup at Huntington (13-16, 7-10 CL). Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.
"photograph by Fayth Glock"
