In a year of 3-pointers and fast-break layups, two Warren County High School basketball players have been recognized with all-district honors, while a third has received honorable mention.
Pioneer sophomore C.J. Taylor and Lady Pioneer senior Tyra Wright both made the all-district team for 6-AAA. Pioneer junior Lacedric Cox earned a spot on the honorable mention team.
Said Pioneer coach Chris Sullens, “We are extremely proud of the two young men who were honored. Both have worked extremely hard this year to improve and played well in district games. With both returning next year, it gives us a foundation to build on following this season.”
Added Lady Pioneer coach Shea Panter, “I am very proud of Tyra. I know she is a good player and I’m glad to see other coaches in our district agree. She has led us in rebounding all year and is always a presence in the paint other teams have to plan for.”
In his first year of varsity action, it didn’t take long for Taylor to get noticed. He led the Pioneers (15-13) in scoring with a 15.1 point per game average. That included finishing as the team’s top scorer in 18 of 28 games.
Taylor reached double digits in 22 games and reached the 20-point plateau in nine games.
Taylor showed he has 3-point range, but is most effective when he catches the ball on the block or in the high post.
He has a knack for finishing plays, even when there’s contact, and is skilled at getting defenders in the air with pump fakes and shifty moves.
Cox proved to be a nice complement to Taylor. At his best behind the 3-point line, Cox is an especially sharp shooter from the corner.
Cox finished with a scoring average of 7.3 points per game. His season high was a 23-point outburst at Livingston Academy.
He also scored 22 when the Pioneers played Rhea County at Charlie Dalton Gym.
It was hard to watch a Lady Pioneer game and not notice Wright, a towering presence in the paint. She finished with a scoring average of 9.6 points per game, reaching a season high of 15 points twice.
Her impact extended farther than the scoring column. Wright showed she’s a skilled shot blocker and fierce rebounder, helping Warren County to a 9-19 record. She has already committed to play college basketball at Charleston Southern.
