Bulldogs play 'Taugher' defense and nail 12 long-range shots to knock off Seabreeze

Bryce Taugher scored only three points in Flagler Palm Coast’s 78-51 victory over Seabreeze on Dec. 6 at the Bulldogs' gym.

But his value to the team can’t be calculated on a scoresheet. The senior does all the dirty work. He hustles, he disrupts and he energizes the whole team.

And he always covers the opponent’s best scorer in FPC's man-to-man pressure defense. Taugher held Seabreeze shooter Jordan Calder without a 3-point basket. Calder hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter after FPC had secured the win and Taugher went to the bench.

“I gave him no room,” Taugher said.

“We wanted to make other guys make plays,” said FPC coach Derrick Williams. “If (Calder) would have hit shots early, it might have been a different story.”

While the Sandcrabs (0-4) were struggling to get open shots, the Bulldogs filled the basket with 12 3-pointers.

“We’re trying to shoot the ball better,” Williams said. “Tonight, we shot it well.”

Rya’sir Jefferson led FPC with five 3-pointers and 22 points. Alex Aviles scored 20 points with four 3-pointers. Karl Knighten added 13 points for the Bulldogs.

“Basketball is a funny game,” Williams said. “If you hit shots from the 3-point line, it’s a great equalizer. Once you make shots, the zone gets extended, and it gives you driving lanes.”

FPC improved to 2-3, and this one was never in doubt. The Bulldogs led 42-17 at the half and stretched the margin to 68-38 after three quarters.

FPC was scheduled to play two more home games before the end of the week – St. Augustine on Dec. 7 and DeLand on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.