Titans keep undefeated streak going against Maconaquah

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The Maconaquah Braves rolled into Taylor on Jan. 8, eager to test the Titans and their undefeated record. With just a single loss on their ledger, the visitors believed they had what it took to topple their rivals.

What the Braves discovered, however, was a balanced attack from the Titans that handled everything thrown at them. Even Maconaquah's star senior Josiah Ball, the 6'7" senior averaging 30 points a game, couldn't will his team to a win.

That's not to say Taylor shut down Ball. To the contrary, the big man went off for 31 points, including eight three-pointers. But he also turned over the ball a game-high six times, thanks to Taylor's persistent pressure.

If anything, the two teams were surprisingly well-matched, and the score showed it. The lead never got out of hand for either side. And it wasn't until the closing moments that the outcome was decided.

Taylor traded blows with their visitors throughout the first quarter and led by just a point on their home court. Maconaquah rallied in the second to outscore the Titans, 18-14, which gave the Braves a three-point lead at the half, 30-27.

The third quarter was just as close as the previous two. The Titans managed to be one basket better in the stanza, narrowing the margin to a 45-44 Maconaquah lead. The closing minutes, however, showed that Taylor has earned its undefeated record and No. 8 statewide ranking. They pulled away late for the 60-57 win.

The Titans were led by committee, with four players scoring double digits. Junior Drey McClatchey and sophomore Keyshawn Galloway each scored 13 points. Galloway added six assists on his stat line.

Junior Javionne Harris was good for 11 points to go with 14 rebounds, and junior Christian Hall poured in 10 points.

Maconaquah's Ball found a little help from senior A.J. Kelly, who scored 13 points. Senior Fuddy Kile pulled down 10 rebounds and managed four blocks.

At 6-2, Maconaquah travels to Peru (5-6) on Jan. 17. Taylor (10-0) is on the road Tuesday night, Jan. 13, to play Eastbrook (4-5), before facing Clinton Central (1-8) on the road Friday and visiting Western (9-4) on Saturday.

See additional photos from this contest, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern's Facebook page or group.