(Abarw.com/Allison Weirich Photo) Garrett Wright of the 7th-grade Purple team
By Linda Lattanzio, Leader Writer
It wasn’t exactly a duck walk Thursday night when the Taylor Junior High Ducks opened the LHJH Panthers’ district play, though the Panthers did manage to do a little roasting. The 7th Gold team won 21-10; 7th Purple won 41-20; 8th Gold won 33-16; and 8th Purple lost 31-42.
These Ducks stood tall in all four games.
(Abarw.com/Allison Weirich Photo) Travis Williamson of the 8th-grade Gold team
A tight, aggressive defense on both teams combined with a fast pace kept scoring low in the opening 7th Gold game.
While the first period belonged to the Panthers, taking an 8-2 early lead, the second period was all Ducks as the two teams finished the half 10-8. However the Panthers’ defense shut the Ducks down to just one basket in the second half, winning 21-10.
Top Scorer was  David Allman with 8 and Ryan Ray with 6. Ethan Hershberger turned two steals into baskets, and Mason McLenna contributed a basket.
The 7th Purple Ducks started strong, hitting multiple baskets, including a 3-pointer, and taking an early lead 5-9. But the Panthers were not intimidated, working up to speed and putting plays together to take the lead by the half 15-11.
By the third quarter, these Panthers had hit their stride and pulled away to win 41-20. Top Scorer, Josh Sudekum, couldn’t miss in the third quarter, netting most of his 15 points then, along with Logan Hester, who hit all 7 points including one 3-pointer.
(Abarw.com/Allison Weirich Photo) Trey Jenkinst of the 8th-grade Purple team
Garrett Wright was consistent throughout, making 10 points, 4 of those on the free throw line. Zach Lord hit 6 points. Arkell Thomas contributed a basket.
The first period of the 8th Gold game would have made even hard-core basketball lovers take notice. Both teams hit the court hard with the Panthers firing up 15 points, with 3-pointers from Charlie Corbett and James Rollins.
The Ducks completed multiple layups despite strong Panther defense. But by the second period, that strong Panther defense was starting to take its toll while the offense rolled to a 21-8 lead at the half. The second half was all Panthers, clipping the wings of their Ducks and holding them to just 7 points.
The Panthers won 33-16. Top Scorer, James Rollins, only completed two baskets on the night, both 3-pointers. Charlie Corbett had one basket and one 3-pointer. #42 made 4 points. Clayton Oerhlein hit one basket and one free throw.  Ryan Ragle hit two baskets. Ty Odell,  Travis Williamson, Cade McKinnis, Logan Gillentine, Billy Wolesensky, Xavier Williams and Austin Maxwell each made a basket.
The 8th Purple game was defined by a tough Duck offense of #22, #5 and #12. This three-headed monster so dominated the court that the Panthers were virtually shut down the first period 4-14.
A defensive rally enabled Carson Lowe to hit a 3-pointer in the second period while Corbin Neffendorf, Connor Lowe, Justin Wilson and Caleb Guerin were able to complete layups. But the Panthers still trailed at half time 17-24.
The third period Ducks #5 and #12 were back working it, holding the Panthers to a 3-pointer by #5 and a basket from #12. The Panthers rallied in the last period but couldn’t quite draw out the win, losing 31-42.
(Abarw.com/Allison Weirich Photo) Liberty Hill Junior High School 7th-grade Gold action: Ethan Hershberger (11) and Ethan Fullmer (32) play tight defense against Taylor.
After the Marble Falls Tournament Dec. 2-3, the Panthers travel to Llano to take on the Daubers Thursday, Dec. 8, in Llano. Games begin with the 7th Gold team at 4:30 p.m. To get to the Llano gym, take Hwy. 29 west to Llano (about 1 hour) and turn left onto SH 16. Go past downtown. The gym will be on your left. Look for signs.
