Blakelee Steeb | Echo
The Taylor women's basketball team started out their season with a 2-2 record. The team is still adjusting to the new style of first year head coach Jody Martinez, but they seem to be fast learners.
The Trojans defeated Northwestern Ohio 79-71 on Oct. 28 and gave Martinez his first win at Taylor. They trailed the Racers for most of the first half, but they mustered enough horsepower to take the lead.
Junior Kendall Bradbury led the way with 30 points and a career-high 18 rebounds. Additionally, sophomore Becca Buchs sank 13 points, senior Josie Cobb scored 12 and sophomore Abby Buchs added nine.
On Nov. 4, the Trojans defeated Governor State 88-58 inside Odle Arena. The team pounced on the Jaguars and quickly jumped to a 14 point lead within the first six minutes of the game.
The victory was led by Bradbury with 22 points and Abby Buchs with a career-high 13 points.
Along with the two wins, the Trojans have also lost twice. However, the team has decided to turn the negative outcomes into positives.
"We grew and learned so much more in our losses," Abby Buchs said. "I think every game we get better and every game we correct errors."
Instead of focusing on their losses, the team looks to what helped them grow through the game - relationships, having their teammates' backs and leaving it all on the court.
The Trojans are still in the beginning stages of the season and many aspects of their game are not polished. However, the team expects this result in November. The focus of the season is not for the short-term but for the long-term when they enter the postseason.
"Turnovers are a big factor, but we do a good job (rebounding) for most of the game," Bradbury said. "It takes a lot of heart, effort and determination to go after the ball and be stronger than the other team. The effort and hustle is definitely there. It is just the lack of the little things in crunch time."
Rebounding, turnovers and passing will be key points of improvement for Taylor, and the team continues to work on the minor aspects of their game to show their true potential.
While winning is important, the main goal is to compete and enjoy the game, no matter who the opponent is.
"In society, success is judged by the win-loss record," Martinez said. "This team is currently 2-2, but their love for God and for each other is better than any other team we have played and maybe anyone we play."
The Trojans will be back in action tomorrow at Saint Xavier. The game is slated for 3 p.m.
"Photograph by Brad Timmerman"
