GEORGETOWN — The Taylor Ducks varsity boys basketball team dropped a 61-40 decision to the Gateway Preparatory Gators on Tuesday, Jan. 13, as shooting struggles and turnovers proved costly in district play.
Taylor shot just 32% from the field for the game, while Gateway converted at a 56% clip. The Ducks also committed 20 turnovers and finished with only five assists, issues that stalled any sustained offensive momentum.
Sophomore guard Markell Fitzgerald led Taylor in scoring with 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting.
Fitzgerald helped the Ducks get off to a fast start despite an early deficit, as Taylor fell behind 7-2 before he knocked down three consecutive 3-pointers to give the Ducks an 11-7 lead late in the first quarter.
Gateway answered with a 12-2 run to regain control and take a 19-13 advantage. Junior forward Landon Coulter knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 19-16 with two minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Coulter finished with nine points on 3-of-6 shooting. The Ducks were able to capitalize on a few fast-break opportunities late in the half and went into the locker room trailing just 23-22.
Taylor struggled on both ends of the floor coming out of halftime. Gateway opened the second half with a decisive 23-7 run, pushing the lead to 46-29 early in the fourth quarter and effectively putting the game out of reach.
Coulter later connected on another 3-pointer to trim the deficit to 46-32, but Gateway closed the game by outscoring Taylor 15-8 down the stretch.
Senior guard Kadrien Deary and freshman Elijah Afenkhena each scored six points for the Ducks.
With the loss, Taylor fell to 13-9 overall and 1-2 in district play. The Ducks took on Burnet on Friday and will host Marble Falls on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
