Prior to the game, Perry Meridian's scoring averages were 49.6 points for and 48.3 against. With that in mind, it was not a surprise the first field goal of the game was not scored until the 4:49 mark. Although he was face guarded, Taylor scored in the lane by using his size advantage. Late in the quarter, there was a scary moment when Taylor was fouled and held his shoulder on the ground. Luckily, he only missed the final minute of the opening quarter then returned to the floor.

 

 

For Southport, Nickens Lemba matched Taylor for most of the first half. His five-point spurt late in the second quarter gave Southport a 19-15 lead. He scored ten first-half points. For the final 100 seconds, Southport worked the clock to take the lead into the locker room. 

 

 

Opening the second half, Kenyon Miller connected on a three-pointer to push Southport's lead to seven points. For the first time, Perry Meridian faced a three-possession deficit and was in a dangerous position. That was quickly erased as Reggie McDonald made a three-pointer before an and-1 from Taylor.

 

 

From there, it was officially the Jayden Taylor Show. He carried the Perry Meridian offense the entire game, but it was all Taylor for the final 13 minutes of the game. In that timeframe, he scored 24 of the last 29 Perry Meridian points. It was a tremendous stretch.

 

 

Despite Taylor's run, Southport stayed in the game. Miller was the main reason why the Cardinals were in the game. He hit a few tough shots over defenders to keep Southport within striking distance. He slashed to the basket for a twisting finish to cut Perry Meridian's lead to 37-35 but received a technical foul after the bucket. The Falcons scored eight straight after the tech to open up the lead.

 

 

Taylor went a perfect 18-18 from the free-throw line to preserve Perry Meridian's 47-37 win. He scored 34 points in the game.

 

 

Miller finished with 19 points. Lemba recorded a double-double with 12 points and ten rebounds.