Seniors lead the way to solid Griffin hoops seasons
By Destiny Duprey, ‘23
The THS Varsity Basketball teams just wrapped two successful seasons. They did an amazing job, and we are so proud of our Griffins!
The Lady Griffins finished with a 15-9 record. With Coach Putnam, THS social studies teacher, guiding the girls, they were able to establish a new Taylor High School record for wins, for both girls and boys! Alyssa Williamson, ‘23, and Kursten von Hoffman ’23, carried the court as our top two scorers. Williamson was also our top rebounder. We are thrilled to recognize our Lady Griffin seniors: Nadine Abdnabou, Alycia Ferguson, Chariay Hastings, Kursten von Hoffman, Maddie Matte, Alejandra Perez, and Briley Silcock, Alyssa Williamson, and Da’Jonna Young.
Many of our Lady Griffins have played basketball since their freshmen year, and they considered the team as family. “Basketball is a good experience, if you’re looking for something new,” said Chariay Hastings.
The season sweep of Gibraltar Carlson, 34-26 and 41-36 was a major highlight of the season. The season ended with a disappointing loss to Allen Park in the districts.
Coach Putnam will always remember this team, “Working with these girls is something I’ll miss. They did a wonderful job listening and improving. They were a great group to coach,” he said.
Practice makes perfect, or at least really good!
Let’s not forget our boys!! Coach Simons, THS Physical Education teacher, did an extraordinary job. They finished with a record of 12-11.
Ethan Norman, ’23, finished his career as Taylor High’s all-time scorer! Norman was also our top rebounder. Jayden Cleveland, ’23, was the next top scorer. The Griffin seniors were Jayden Cleveland, Dominic Demeo, Marcus Mason, Cameron Myers, Ethan Norman, and Braylen Thomas. “I love basketball, I wouldn’t do school without it,” says Cleveland.
Although the season ended with a disappointing loss to Allen Park in districts, Coach Simons, revealed their best game of the year was the Senior Night win over Allen Park, where the Griffins won 56-53.
Coach Simons was proud of the team’s commitment to defense this year, “Life is all about defense,” he said.
Mar’Sean Massenburg was one of our juniors on the varsity basketball team. He hit the game-winning shot in the big win against Allen Park! He has come so far from where he started; he’s been playing since he was in the fourth grade. He explained to me how he loves the “chemistry” between the team, and the bond that holds them together as one. He does plan on playing his senior year. Massenburg is one of those basketball players, the “trashtalker.”
Our varsity coaches provided a little bit for the graduating seniors, and the rest of the student body as well, “Love your neighbors and be kind to people,” said Simons while Putnam added, “Have a plan for the future.”
We are grateful to both teams for the past season, and for providing some wonderful entertainment during the long, cold winter. We can’t wait to see what awaits us next year!