18. This is the first win for the Lions since week one.

Flatonia entered the meeting coming off its first loss of the season, a road game against Nixon-Smiley where they fell 42-22. Granger now holds a 2-2 record as they look to begin district play on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. when they host the Moody Bearcats.

Moody currently holds a 1-3 overall record with district play beginning next week.

The Lions have not played Moody since 2015, where the Bearcats hosted and took down Granger 46-36.

The last meeting between the two was in 2015, with Taylor putting away the Lady Jaguars 2-0 during a non-district match at home.

“We spent a lot of time working on some offensive strategy just because I know that’s going to come into play in some future games,” said Taylor varsity volleyball head coach Sarah Neal. “The girls really bought it and executed. I think they went in with no fear and with confidence.”

Junior outside hitter Kennedy Pleasants was a top player in the match, putting down 10 kills across the five sets.

Junior setter Maricela Hernandez collected 20 assists while junior Lauren Garza got 16 digs.

The Lady Ducks established the tone in the first set, taking down the visitors 25-19.

In the second set, LBJ responded to the hosts and tied up the match with a 25-23 victory.

Taylor would come out on top in the third set 25-20, with the Lady Jaguars striking Taylor back down 25-22 in the fourth set.

The Lady Ducks dug deep and came back to blow out the Lady Jaguars in the final set 15- 6. Taylor now holds a 7-22 overall record and a perfect 3-0 record for district play.

The Taylor Lady Ducks traveled to play Eastside Early College on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. before hosting Austin Achieve on Sept.

25 at 6:30 p.m.

“We’re not going to focus too much on the other team and get in our heads by panic about what they’re capable of,” said Neal.

“We are going to walk in and focus on playing our game, executing our strategy and not count anybody out.”

This was the first meeting between the Tigers and Bison in team history. Buffalo entered the match with a three-game win streak, coming off a 28-0 home victory against Anderson-Shiro. Both put in the work offensively, creating a halftime score of 19-14 in favor of Thrall.

The third quarter finished with the visiting Bison on top 28-25. The Buffalo lead was short lived however, as the Tigers found success in the endzone two more times during the fourth quarter and finalized the score at 38-28.

Thrall now holds a 3-1 overall record and will stay home to finish out non-district play on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. against the San Antonio Christian Lions.

This is a change from this time last season, where the Tigers had given up 94 points and just picked up their first of two wins. Thrall finished 2-8 overall and 0-4 for district play and came in last in the district rankings.

The Lions have yet to see a victory this pre-season, entering the match 0-4. San Antonio Christian completed last season with a steady 6-5 overall record and a 2-1 for district play, placing third on the rankings after allowing 66 points throughout the season.

• Defeated Copperas Cove 64-21

• Vs Temple at 7 p.m. on Friday

THRALL FOOTBALL

• Fell to Thorndale 28-14

• Vs Buffalo at 7 p.m. on Friday

GRANGER FOOTBALL

• Fell to Mason 66-20

• Vs Mason at 7 p.m. on Friday

ST. MARY’S FOOTBALL

• Fell to Summit 50-0

• At Valor South Austin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday

NOTE: The Taylor Press will no longer be printing football games in its weekend edition. For football recaps, visit taylorpress.net.

The Lady Ducks controlled the match early, sweeping a 25-8 victory in the first set. The Lady Raiders improved offensively in the second set though falling 25-10.

Taylor closed out the third set with a 25-12 victory.

The Lady Ducks now hold a 2-0 district play record and 6-20 overall. Compared to this time last season, the Lady Ducks only held one victory in district play but an overall record of 8-15. Taylor will look to build on this momentum against the Lampasas Lady Badgers on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. at Taylor High School. In their last faceoff, the Lady Ducks took home a 3-1 victory at Lampasas.

The Lady Badgers are entering the game coming off their own 3-0 win against Brentwood Christian at home. With that win, Lampasas hold a record of three out of four wins at home and a 15-16 overall record.

• Fell to Goldthwaite 48-0 - Vs Mason at 7 p.m. on Friday

ST. MARY’S FOOTBALL

• Defeated Coupland 52-7 - Vs Summit Christian Academy at 7 p.m. on Friday

COUPLAND FOOTBALL

- Vs New Braunfels Thunder on Thursday at 7 p.m.

NOTE: The Taylor Press will no longer be printing football games in its weekend edition. For football recaps, visit taylorpress.net.

The Hippos’ offense exploded for 67 points, marking Hutto’s highest- scoring game since 2023, when the Hippos fell to Liberty Hill 82-80 in a high-scoring shootout.

Hutto got off to a fast start when senior athlete Jaiden Fields scooped up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown on the first play of the game to give the Hippos an early 7-0 lead.

Fields continued to make an impact throughout the game, adding two more touchdowns on receptions. His brother, junior Carson Fields, also found the end zone twice through the air as Hutto’s passing attack consistently created problems for the Judson defense.

Sophomore quarterback Micah Antoun helped lead the offensive attack, completing 16 of 20 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns.

Senior tight end Kam Jones added a touchdown reception, while sophomore Brayden Childs scored on the ground as the Hippos continued to build their lead.

The 67-point performance gave Hutto its first victory under firstyear head coach Casey Walraven and provided a strong response after the Hippos opened the season with a narrow 53-50 loss to Harker Heights.

Hutto will look to build on the momentum when it travels to face Copperas Cove at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.

The Hippos held a 44-31 lead entering the fourth quarter but were unable to close out the game.

Harker Heights put together a 65-yard scoring drive late in the fourth quarter, capped by a 10-yard touchdown pass and a successful two-point conversion to take a 53-50 lead with 14 seconds remaining.

Seniors Jaiden Fields and Dylan Owens turned in big performances for the Hippos. Fields recorded two interceptions returned for touchdowns and added 34 receiving yards, while Owens caught three touchdown passes, totaled 94 receiving yards and recorded an interception.

Carson Fields also had a big game, finishing with more than 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.

Junior quarterback Ethan Carlson accounted for three touchdowns, throwing for two and rushing for another.

Carlson completed 9 of 12 passes for 109 yards and rushed for 62 yards.

Micah Antoun started at quarterback for Hutto, completing 9 of 12 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown.

With the loss, Hutto falls to 0-1 on the season and will look for its first win under head coach Casey Walraven when it faces Judson at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.

28, 2015. Eleven years later to the exact date, veterans will be honored and celebrated for their dedication, blood, sweat and tears while serving and protecting our country. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Hutto Memorial Stadium.

According to district officials, the Freedom Game started when the Hutto Independent School District board of trustees realized the strong presence of veterans within the schools and community. The district wanted to honor and recognize veterans for their service and the sacrifices they made while serving.

“It’s important because for them to be recognized and honored for their service and the things they’ve done for our country means a lot,” Hutto High School Principal Ryan Burns said.

Athletic Director William Compton and Stadium Director Chris Elquist work to coordinate the event. The school choir sings the Star Spangled Banner prior to kickoff.

“To be a part of this is an honor and a humbling experience,” said veteran Aaron Gorbet Sr.

Players on the field express their gratitude while participating in the game.

“My grandpa served, so the freedom game has always been sort of special to me,” said senior offensive lineman Jayden Mack.

Starting the season against former district opponent Harker Heights, Mack said standards are high for the Hippos.

“I think [Coach Casey] Walraven has set the expectations at perfection … all throughout practice and spring ball. We really started to be perfect with timing, execution and just being physical,” Mack said.

After a 9-3 season and a second-round exit in the playoffs, the Hippos are looking to bounce back this season under new Head Coach Casey Walraven and Offensive Coordinator Daniel Spencer.

Walraven brings a legacy of high-scoring offenses, including an average of 62 points per game last season at Alvarado High School.

He has over 20 years of experience on the sideline and multiple playoff appearances.

Key returners include Mack, linebacker Hunter Frenette and Oklahomabound two-way threat Jaiden Fields.

“I’m really excited for this year. Harker Heights is a good team, but they’re not like us,” Mack said.

After the Freedom game, the Hippos hit the road to face Judson, Sept. 4.

Mary’s Rams six-man football team scrimmaged Grace Academy on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Grace Academy Home School.

The scrimmage gave the Rams an opportunity to get valuable reps as they prepare for the 2026 regular season. St. Mary’s enters the season looking to bounce back from a 1-7 campaign with more returning experience on the roster. The Rams will open the regular season Friday, Aug. 28, against McDade at home. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

For more photos go to TaylorPress. net

NWS are parasitic flies that lay eggs in open wounds and moist body parts of warmblooded animals, including pets. The eggs hatch into maggots that feed on living tissue and will kill the animal if left untreated.

“The State of Texas will use every tool to protect our cattle industry and wildlife while we eradicate this pest,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a release.

On June 15, Abbott established a free online course, https://agrilifelearn. tamu.edu/s/product/ new-world-screwworm- preparedness-andresponse- education, to increase the number of certified NWS inspectors and to educate those interested in learning about NWS.

“AgriLife and TAHC moved quickly to launch this training. Now more people, including private industry, will be able to inspect and certify animals for movement. Through this program, Texas will protect our ranchers, ensure the security of our food supply, and keep business strong,” Abbott said.

“Stopping the spread of NWS will not be possible without our inspectors knowing what to look for,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Rollins initially denied that NWS was making its way into the state, but she now encourages “everyone who is able to help us identify and report suspected cases to help eradicate this pest as fast as possible.”

Ranchers and livestock producers are urged to inspect their animals regularly for wounds or signs of infestation, officials said.

Suspected cases of NWS are to be reported to investigators immediately.

While Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has criticized the federal government’s “slow, bureaucratic and incomplete response” to NWS, in an interview with The Texas Tribune, he said, “We have the ability to… eradicate that screwworm. We can do it in about 60 days. USDA has the tools and the knowledge to do it.”

While no cases of NWS have been reported in Williamson County, the office of Emergency Management issued a press release June 26 encouraging pet and livestock owners to recognize the signs and symptoms of NWS.

Early detection can save animal lives and stop the spread of infection.

Texas Parks & Wildlife is providing regular updates and locations about NWS online at www.tpwd.texas.gov/ huntwild/wild/diseases/ screwworm.

Sophomore Kaelyn Price headlined the selections, earning firstteam honors at shortstop after a standout season in which she led the Lady Hippos in batting average and RBIs.

Junior Makenna Castillo, senior M'Kayla Hicks and senior Kenna Spence also earned All-Central recognition. The quartet played key roles in helping Hutto win the district championship and advance to the second round of the playoffs.

The season marks a historic milestone for Coupland Independent School District, which will open its new junior high and high school campus this fall. For the first time in 80 years, Coupland students will have the opportunity to compete in high school athletics while representing their hometown school.

“Coupland athletics is excited to be looking forward to our first (University Interscholastic League) varsity level cross country season, the introduction of six-man tackle football at the junior and high school level, and another competitive volleyball season,” Athletic Director Jared Knapek said.

Programs are already underway to prepare incoming seventh through ninth grade student-athletes for competition, according to head football coach Kyle Rinderknecht.

“This summer, our new campus will be opening a weight room that is clean, current and filled with state-ofthe- art equipment that will be used to develop our student athletes for decades to come,” Rinderknecht said.

On the field, the Cowboys will open their inaugural season Aug.

27 against Round Rock Christian Academy before facing St. Mary’s on Sept. 4 and New Braunfels Thunder on Sept. 10. Although several contests are designated as road games, all games will be played at Memorial Field in Taylor during the program’s inaugural season.

Coupland will also celebrate Homecoming on Sept. 17 against RRCA. The remainder of the schedule includes road contests against McDade Sept. 25, Pawnee Oct. 2, Oglesby Oct. 8, Buckholts Oct.

16, Austin Classical Academy Oct. 23, and Rocksprings Oct. 31.

The Cowboys will play four “home” games and six road contests during their first season of six-man football.

Neal, a Bastrop native and graduate of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, joins the Ducks after coaching stops in Belton, Gonzales and most recently Chaparral High School in Killeen.

Neal helped establish Chaparral’s volleyball program when the school opened and guided the Bobcats to four consecutive playoff appearances during her four seasons at the school. The program’s most successful season came in 2024 when Chaparral captured an undefeated district championship and made a deep playoff run. Neal was named District 16-5A Coach of the Year following the season.

In addition to volleyball, Neal has coached basketball, soccer, powerlifting and track and field throughout her career.

Neal will take over leadership of Taylor ISD’s girls athletic programs and volleyball team beginning with the 2026-27 school year. She will look to help turn around a Ducks volleyball program that has finished 2-10 in district play in each of the past two seasons and has missed the playoffs during that stretch.

The turnaround will not come without challenges, however, as Taylor must replace key contributors Makenna Watson and Peyton Wamble, who graduated following the 2025 season. The Lady Ducks will return senior Tianna Candee, who is expected to play a major role as the program looks to take a step forward under Neal’s leadership.

• Friday, Sept. 4 — at St. Mary’s (Memorial Stadium) — 7 p.m.

• Thursday, Sept. 10 — New Braunfels Thunder (Memorial Stadium) — 7 p.m.

• Thursday, Sept. 17 — RRCA (Homecoming/Memorial Stadium) — 7 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 25 — at McDade — 4:30 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 2 — at Pawnee — 5 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 8 — at Oglesby — 6 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 16 — at Buckholts — 7 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 23 — at Austin Classical — 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 31 — at Rocksprings — 2 p.m.

JoJo Araiza signed with Angelo State University, while Brady Strickland committed to Greenville University.

The signings recognize years of dedication in the weight room and on the platform, as both athletes earned the opportunity to continue their powerlifting careers after graduation. The pair now turn their attention to finishing their senior year before beginning their collegiate careers this fall.

The Ducks shot just 33 percent from the field and were unable to keep pace with Bastrop’s scoring.

Taylor trailed 9-4 early in the first quarter before sophomore guard Johnny Guzman hit a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 9-7. Bastrop answered with an 8-2 run into the second quarter to extend its lead to 17-12, despite a 3-pointer from senior guard Kadrien Deary.

The Bears continued to pull away, building a 42-25 halftime lead and extending it to 54-31 by the end of the third quarter. Taylor struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor as Bastrop maintained control throughout the second half.

Junior forward Landon Coulter led the Ducks with 13 points, while senior guard Braylen Rivers added 11 points on 71 percent shooting. Taylor will return to action at the Giddings Tournament on Monday, Dec. 29, following the holiday break.

DISTRICT SUPERLATIVES CO- DISTRICT COACH OF THE YEAR

• Eli Reinhart

first-year head coach

OVERALL DISTRICT MVP

• Jaiden Fields

wide receiver junior

FIRST TEAM

• Kaden Stefek

quarterback senior

• Keilan Chavies

running back senior

• Jayden Mack

offensive lineman junior

• Brayden Daniels

linebacker senior

• Hunter Fredette,

defensive back junior

• Dylan Owens

utility player junior

SECOND TEAM

• Kellen Littles

offensive lineman sophmore

• Carlos Sorto

defensive back senior

HONORABLE MENTION

• Alaeddin Mustafa

offensive lineman

senior

• Jayden Marin

linebacker senior

• Wardell White

defensive back junior

• Michael Blaylark

defensive back junior

The 14 All-District selections highlight a balanced roster and a strong team effort, capping a successful season for the Hippos under Reihart’s leadership in District 25-6A.

basketball team opened the Navarro Tournament with a strong 2-0 showing on Thursday, Dec. 11, earning a 68-51 win over Hallettsville and a 53-42 victory over Geronimo Navarro.

HALLETTSVILLE

Sophomore guard Markell Fitzgerald powered the Ducks in their opening game, scoring 28 points on 12-of-23 shooting in a 68-51 win over the Brahmas.

Fitzgerald set the tone early, knocking down a 3-pointer for a 3-0 lead before sparking an 8-2 run with a fast-break layup that pushed the advantage to 11-2.

Taylor continued its first-quarter dominance with an 11-0 stretch as its defense held Hallettsville scoreless, building a commanding 22-2 lead.

The Brahmas battled back in the second quarter, trimming the margin to 28-15, but a steal and breakaway finish from Fitzgerald pushed the lead back to 32-15.

Hallettsville later cut the deficit to 47-38 in the third, but Kadrien Deary answered with a 3-pointer to halt the momentum and extend the lead to 50-38. Fitzgerald added another triple and Deary followed with a layup to help Taylor pull away for good at 55-38.

Deary finished with eight points, while senior guard Braylon Rivers delivered an efficient 20 points on 10-of-13 shooting. The Ducks shot 48% from the floor.

NAVARRO

Fitzgerald again led the Ducks in their second game, finishing with 16 points on 7-of-18 shooting in a 53-42 win over Navarro.

Taylor jumped out to a 7-0 lead following a Fitzgerald 3-pointer and grabbed its first double-digit advantage, 15-5, on a fast-break finish from Rivers. The Ducks kept control with a 10-5 run to take a 25-10 lead in the second quarter.

Navarro mounted a push in the third, cutting the deficit to 27-19, but defensive stops from Rivers and freshman Elijah Efenkhena helped Taylor maintain a comfortable margin.

The Ducks closed the quarter on a key run to go up 41-29 and held steady the rest of the way.

Rivers and junior forward Landon Coulter each scored 11 points, and Taylor shot 35% from the field. The Ducks improved to 8-3 overall and will wrap up tournament play this weekend before returning home to face Bastrop at 6:30 p.m. at Taylor High School.

VOLLEYBALL FIRST TEAM

• Sr. Leah Altman

Setter

• Jr. Demi Dahlberg

Outside Hitter/ Defensive Specialist

SECOND TEAM

• Sr. Adi Flores

Middle Hitter

HONORABLE MENTION

• Sr. Sydney Zimmerhanzel

Outside Hitter

• Sr. Mercy Barta

Middle Hitter

FOOTBALL FIRST TEAM

• Soph. Ridge Lossen

Cornerback

SECOND TEAM

• Sr. Steven Reyes

Cornerback

• Fresh. Anthony Britten

Defensive End

• Sr. Jose Hengst

Linebacker

• Sr. Steven Reyes

Running Back

• Soph. Joseph Barta

Tight End

• Sr. Mikal Rethlake

Center

Thrall came out firing, opening the night with a decisive 19–5 run. The Tigerettes applied steady defensive pressure early, forcing turnovers that led to fast-break points and immediate momentum.

Granger responded with more energy in the second quarter, settling into its offense and outscoring Thrall 12–11 in the period.

Despite the improvement, the Lady Lions still trailed 30–17 at halftime.

The Tigerettes regained full command coming out of the break. Their defense tightened once again, creating several transition opportunities that helped Thrall stretch its lead. By the end of the third quarter, the Tigerettes held a comfortable 51–29 advantage.

Thrall maintained its composure down the stretch, protecting the lead and closing out the 21-point win with steady play on both ends of the court.

With the victory, the Tigerettes improved to 3–3 on the season, while the Lady Lions fell to 1–5.

Both teams will now head into Thanksgiving break before returning to action on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The Tigerettes will host Riesel at 6:15 p.m., while the Lady Lions will travel to Burton for a 5 p.m. tipoff.

The first is to play each game for 32 minutes – fittingly, high school basketball games are played with four eight-minute quarters.

The second is to be ready for Dec. 16 – the District 27-2A opener at Holland.

While some might say looking ahead to district play goes against the mantra of taking things one game at a time, Cotten also thrives on looking at the “big picture.” Although Granger is 1-5 going into Tuesday’s nondistrict matchup at Burton, Cotten had a reason for drawing up a strong nondistrict schedule.

“I scheduled tough nondistrict games and I would challenge anyone else to play the schedule that I put together,” he said. “A lot of people asked me why I did this. I did this because of what happened last year against Weimar. We weren’t ready and that was on me. As a coach, I’ve got to get them ready. When we get to the playoffs, we’re going to be ready because our nondistrict schedule is going to make us ready.

We’re going to come out of this tougher and wiser. I will go strength of schedule against anyone in our district.”

A year ago, Granger won a district championship for the first time in 25 years. Cotten isn’t resting on the laurels of last year, though.

“I told the girls they have an ‘X’ marked on them now,” he said.

“Everyone’s gunning for them. They’re going to get everyone else’s best shot.”

The biggest concerns for Cotten are youth and numbers. The Lady Lions suit up nine players.

“We’re young. We had two players graduate who were three-year starters. We’re also ‘young’ in the aspect of familiarity with the basketball court,” Cotten said. “Everybody with the exception of my post are new starters. We are having growing pains, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. If you look at our past three years, we’re slow starters. Our girls come straight out of volleyball. We’re growing.”

Senior Abi Crouch is the lone returning starter, while fellow senior Victoria Castillo is the power forward, and juniors Navaeh Campos, Brooklyn Gaswint and Jasmine Leamer are guards. Rounding out the roster are senior Alexi Montagnino, junior Kennedy Gattis, and sophomores Natalie Corona and Rylinn Hamby. “Jasmine (our point guard) has gotten better every game,” Cotten said. “I told her, ‘you’re the quarterback, you have to lead.’ I threw her into the fire this year and we’re going to keep her in that fire.”

While youth and depth are concerns, there are team strengths for Granger, too. Cotten believes his strength and conditioning program and resiliency are things the Lady Lions can lean on.

“Granger girls are resilient. Every year, something has happened where someone has had to step up and put the team on their back,” Cotten said. “Our biggest strength is athleticism. Our girls play multiple sports. They bought into what we do.

I want the weight room and conditioning to be the difference makers.”

In order to repeat as district champions and to make a deep playoff run, Cotten said his team has to do a few things.

“We have to sweat and stay together,” he said. “I have Dec. 16 circled on my calendar.

The nondistrict games are glorified practices.

I tell my girls to look at the big picture. Our girls don’t quit and they’re not scoreboard watchers. The game isn’t over with us until we play 32 minutes.”

Cotten won’t shy away from those expectations.

Sophomore guard Markell Fitzgerald led the Ducks on both ends of the floor, shooting 10-for-16 and finishing with a game-high 22 points.

He also pulled down 10 rebounds, recording the first double-double of the season.

Taylor set the tone early, racing out to a 24–4 lead in the first quarter and building on it with a 28–9 second-quarter run to take a commanding 52–13 advantage at halftime. The Ducks maintained control throughout, pushing the pace and overwhelming Smithville with strong defense and efficient shooting.

Head coach Stephen Gibson was able to empty the bench in the second half, giving several reserves valuable earlyseason minutes as the team continues to shape its rotation. Taylor closed the night with a 27–20 run to seal the win.

Senior guard Kadrien Dreary added to the scoring surge, going 7-for-9 from the field for 18 points, while senior Braylen Rivers contributed 11 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting performance.

As a team, Taylor shot 57% from the floor, showcasing sharp execution in its first outing of the year.

The Ducks kept rolling after the opener, defeating Caldwell 73–46 on Monday, Nov. 24. Following the Thanksgiving break, Taylor returns to action on Tuesday, Dec. 2, when it travels to Giddings for a 7:45 p.m. tipoff.

The game opened back and forth, with the teams tied at 9 before senior guard Malachi Hilby knocked down a three-pointer to give Hutto a 12-9 lead with 2:36 left in the first quarter. Copperas Cove tied the game at 14, but Hilby responded again, converting a fast-break layup to put the Hippos back in front 16-14 with 1:20 remaining.

The Bulldogs regained the lead at 27-25 early in the second quarter, but Hilby continued his strong night with another three-pointer to swing the advantage back to Hutto at 28-27. The Hippos built their largest lead moments later, stretching the margin to 34-29 on a transition layup by Brian Caldwell with 3:30 left in the half.

Momentum shifted shortly after, as Copperas Cove closed the half and opened the third quarter on a decisive 17-4 run, taking a 46-38 lead that Hutto was unable to erase.

The Bulldogs pushed the margin to 60-43 late in the third as the Hippos struggled to find consistent offense.

Caldwell and Nicholas Valdez added late baskets to trim the deficit to 68-52, but Copperas Cove maintained control down the stretch to secure the double-digit win.

Hilby once again led the way for Hutto and continues to be a bright spot early in the season. The Hippos will look to bounce back Friday when they face Hendrickson.

Senior setter and outside hitter Peyton Wamble earned firstteam honors after leading the Lady Ducks in kills and service aces. Senior libero McKenna Watson was named to the second team and finished the year with a team-high 333 digs.

Senior setter Libby Urbis also earned a second-team selection, ranking among Taylor’s top blockers and providing steady play at the net.

Elena Martinez, Caroline Tate and Avery Paulson were each recognized with honorable mention selections for their contributions throughout the season.

first win. The Lady Ducks battled throughout the night and kept the game within one possession for much of the second half. Trailing by three in the closing seconds, Taylor set up a final look from beyond the arc, but a turnover by senior guard Audriana Alderete on the wing ended the possession and allowed the Bumblebees to drain the remaining time.

Despite the loss, the Lady Ducks received steady production from Alderete and senior forward Tianna Candee.

Alderete provided consistent scoring on the perimeter, while Candee controlled the paint and delivered key defensive stops to keep Taylor within striking distance. Both players helped fuel a late push that cut the deficit to a single basket before Academy held firm in the final minute.

Taylor continues to show improvement as its young roster settles into the early-season schedule. The Lady Ducks looked to regroup and capture their first win when they faced Rouse on Friday.

The opening period played out as a fastpaced shootout, with both teams trading baskets before Thrall took a 19-14 lead into the second quarter. From there, the Tigerettes took full control. Thrall’s defense allowed just one point in the second quarter while its offense put up 16, stretching the lead to 35-15 at halftime.

Thrall continued to dictate the pace in the third quarter, outscoring Llano 16-8 to widen the margin even further.

The Tigerettes closed out the night with a 15-3 run in the fourth, sealing a one-sided, allaround performance.

The win moved the Tigerettes to 2-0, and their veteran-heavy roster has shown strong early-season form.

Thrall will look to keep the momentum going with matchups against La Grange and Granger over the weekend.

56-49 to Vista Ridge Granger girls' basketball fell

43-23 to Mart