Blakelee Steeb | Echo
The Taylor women's basketball team began their Crossroads League schedule on Nov. 21. The Trojans walked away with an 82-67 victory over Bethel and gave the Trojans another thing to be thankful for as they headed home for Thanksgiving.
"It was a fun night going back to Bethel where I have given 24 years of my life, especially 16 years as the head women's basketball coach," head coach Jody Martinez said. "In regards to the conference starting with a victory, I am very happy for the team for all their hard work to be paying off and to gain confidence for the rest of the season."
The contest was a total team effort with four Trojans scoring in double-figures. Junior Kendall Bradbury led all scorers with a game-high 28. She was accompanied by seniors Josie Cobb and Cassidy Wyse with 13 points and sophomore Becca Buchs with 14.
Scoring was not the only part of the game the Trojans outperformed the Pilots in. They also out rebounded Bethel 38-26 on the evening and kept the Pilots grounded.
Wednesday night brought more success for the Trojans as they defeated Spring Arbor 76-49. Scoring was led by Wyse who went 6-6 from the three point line to contribute to her 23 points.
Bradbury and Cobb joined Wyse in the double figures. The Trojans also pounced to the paint and out rebounded the Cougars 47-35.
The success of the Trojans may be attributed to the new system Martinez brought to the team.
"I think everybody has bought into his system," said Cobb. "It has been a good transition, which is really exciting. Our offense is much different than it used to be. We are all about pushing it and speeding up the game, and we used to be about slowing it down on offense."
However, the team is not the only group of people that are noticing this new and improved system.
Taylor women's basketball team received 26 votes in the first NAIA Women's basketball Top-25 Poll of the 2017-18 season. The 26 points is a 16 point increase from what they received in the preseason polls.
According to Wright, the Trojans expect to keep pummeling teams and stay together while doing so. The team is gelling really well right now, and each woman will continue to play her role on and off the court.
The Trojans will be on the road tomorrow to play against Mount Vernon Nazarene at 1 p.m. to hopefully continue their four game win streak.
"Photograph by Brad Timmerman"
