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Massive playoff implications were on the line as the Smithville Tigers hosted the Taylor Ducks last Tuesday, Feb. 7, in a fight for the final playoff spot.
Right from the get-go, there was a sense of urgency on both ends of the court. Each team traded punches, resulting in a 10-10 tie after the first quarter. The intensity only increased in the second quarter. Neither squad was able to pull away from the other, and Taylor had just a 1-point lead at the break.
The Ducks looked like the sharper team to open up the second half. They outscored the Tigers 18-9 over the next eight minutes to gain a 40-30 advantage. The Tigers wouldn’t go down without a fight, however.
With the home crowd on their side, Smithville locked in on both ends of the court and relied on top scorers Joseph Mokry and Ramonz Adams to get back into the game. Despite outsourcing Taylor in the final quarter, the visiting Ducks did just enough to secure a 52-45 win.
Adams finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Mokry, fresh off a 43-point performance in their previous game, had 15 points, eight rebounds and an assist. Jacoby Brown contributed with eight points and seven boards.
With the loss, the Tigers fell two games behind Taylor. Thus, they needed a win Friday night and a Taylor loss to keep their playoff hopes alive. Although Smithville took care of business against Caldwell, winning 43-38, the Ducks also won and officially clinched a playoff berth.
The Tigers’ final game will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 14, in a road matchup versus La Grange. Tip-off starts at 7:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Lady Tigers punched their ticket to the postseason with a dominant win over the Austin Achieve Polar Bears on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The Lady Tigers steamrolled the Polar Bears from start to finish and cruised to a 59-9 victory.
All season long, the Smithville girls have counted on young talent to win, such as sophomores Jordyn Brown and Arabella Gutierrez, as well as freshman Ladonije Lewis. Junior guard Monica Lewis has provided veteran leadership on the court.
The Lady Tigers finished with a 6-6 district record to clinch the fourth and final playoff spot.
