The Lady Ducks basketball team has undergone a major transformation following the arrival of head coach Lawrence Bailey in 2021. Cedar Ridge High School could see a similar transformation next season.
After three years at Taylor, Bailey accepted a position as head coach of the Lady Raiders basketball team.
“I want to thank the Taylor community for their support and for welcoming me and my family into the community,” Bailey said in a social media post. “I have enjoyed my time teaching and coaching at Taylor High School. I have met a lot of great people and great families.”
Bailey was an assistant coach at Hutto before taking the helm as head coach at Taylor. Under his leadership, the team improved each season and made several playoff appearances.
Over the past two years, Bailey led the Lady Ducks to two district championships, two bi-district championships and two appearances as area finalists.
“I had a great coaching staff that helped me along the way,” he said.
Bailey was also named Coach of the Year for 2023 and 2024. In his final two years, the Lady Ducks lost only one district game before making it deep into the playoffs.
“I am grateful to the girls for allowing me to teach them basketball and coach them. I owe my success to them,” he said.
In 2021, Bailey told the Taylor Press he had a philosophy and plan to get the Lady Ducks back on track. In his view, success would start on defense, and the girls would play hard and smart and create havoc on their opponents. On offense, Taylor forced the tempo and tried to capitalize on her shots when they were free.
In addition to coaching on the field, Bailey also taught off the field.
“Outside of basketball, there are other things a coach can teach players, including being a good teammate and supporting each other. Sports teach you how to work with other people from all different backgrounds,” Bailey said before his freshman season. “It helps kids build character and learn how to be a leader in the community.”
Bailey thanked the group of seniors Sophia Fisher, Kionayh Rivers, Molli Kennick, Zakaya Frederick and Ursula Rydell, who were freshmen when he commenced, saying they are the foundation on which the program is built.
“I wish Taylor nothing but the best in the future,” Bailey said. “It really hurts me and my family to leave Taylor. This was not an easy decision. I shed so many tears with those girls, I hated seeing their tears tonight… Taylor will always have a place in my heart and memories.”
