Lady Ducks defeat Lady Lions

The Lady Lions hosted the Taylor Lady Ducks for the final home game of the 2005-2006 basketball season on Friday, Feb. 3.
The Lady Lions honored five senior basketball players making their final home appearance. “It”s always an emotional night…thinking about these seniors and their contributions to the program the last few years, you can”t help but get sentimental,”

Head Coach Dave Johnston said.
Seniors for the Lockhart Lady Lions this season were Zenaida Rubio, Danielle Beltran, Venoris Carter, Christan Kelly and Noelle Marquina.
“These seniors have meant a lot to me and our program. They are so very special. They have really meant a lot to our athletic department, school and community,” Johnston added.
Lockhart began the game executing a tough defense and solid offensive. Venoris Carter hit a jumper, while Rubio added a basket. Mariah Carter and Adrian Carter also contributed two points each. The game was back-and-forth in the opening minutes until Taylor hit two 3-point shots to forge an 8-point lead that closed the first quarter.
Taylor continued their hot shooting, and caused numerous turnovers for the Lady Lions.
“Their press got to us a little bit and momentum is hard to turn,” Johnston said.
Taylor outscored the Lady Lions 23-5 to extend their lead to 19 points going into half time.
In the second quarter, Marquina grabbed three of her game-high five rebounds. Junior guard Andrea Carter hit a basket and Mariah Carter added two more points for Lockhart.
Lockhart came out of the break with intensity and a fierce desire to get back into the game. Five different Lady Lions scored for Lockhart. Venoris Carter, Adrian Carter, Kelly, and Mariah Carter scored points. Adrian Carter dished out three of her game-high five assists as the Lady Lions scored 12 points to Taylor”s 14 points.
“We did a great job in the third quarter this year, making adjustments, executing and not giving up no matter what the score,” Johnston said.
“We have been talking all year about playing one game, one half, one quarter and one possession at a time, and this team really does that,” added Johnston.
Taylor regained their momentum and went on a scoring run in the fourth quarter, 14-6, to seal the victory. Mitchell, Smith, Beltran and Hayes contributed points for the Lady Lions. Lockhart sent Taylor home with a 67-31 defeat.
“Our bench has stayed positive and they contribute when they are called on. I”m thankful we have a group that can do what they do coming off the bench,” Johnston said.
(Courtesy of David Johnston)