Five Takeaways: Taft vs. Washington Prep
The high school basketball regular season is finally here and Wednesday night was a big matchup between two potential top CIF City Section teams in Taft and Washington Prep. These two teams have a little recent history with each other…
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Continue ReadingThe high school basketball regular season is finally here and Wednesday night was a big matchup between two potential top CIF City Section teams in Taft and Washington Prep.
These two teams have a little recent history with each other as Washington knocked Taft out of the first round of the City Section Open Division Playoffs last season.
Taft won on Wednesday, 72-70. But if that game was any indication, both of these teams have the talent and the ability to make some serious noise all season and especially when playoffs roll around. Here’s a look at a few of the takeaways from Wednesday’s game.
1. Ramel Lloyd Jr’s impact at Taft
Lloyd transferred to Taft this season after spending his freshman year at Calabasas. He’s a big guard who has a solid all-around game. The Toreadors lost Dominique Winbush who ran the point last season, but Lloyd looked capable of stepping right in and contributing right away. He finished the game with 29 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. He’s a matchup nightmare for most teams and one to keep a lookout for.
2. Washington Prep strong guard play
The Generals will have D’Anthony Ward in the lineup this season after being out last year, and what a difference he’s going to make. He’s a solid point guard himself with great court awareness. He also finished with 29 points and showed off an ability to create his own shot on the perimeter or finish strong at the rim. He’s also not afraid to take a big shot late in the game. As a senior, his leadership on the court was very apparent.
3. Taft’s Perimeter weapons
Lloyd may the player feeding everyone else the ball, and he’s going to have a few options to pass to. Running on the wings alongside him are seniors Khalil Haywood and Demetrius Calip II, and junior Langston Taylor. Haywood and Calip are athletic players who finish strong at the rim. Haywood is particularly active on the glass and rebounded well for a guard. Calip can run the floor well in transition. Taylor is a good outside shooter who hit a big three late in the game.
4. Washington Prep in the paint
Washington will have an advantage over most teams in the Coliseum league when it comes the post. Deshawn Johnson, who also plays football, is a handful for opponents to guard. He showed off his ability to hit the boards and make his presence felt in the paint. He also showed his ability to handle the ball a bit and he hit a couple of threes. Crenshaw has William Lawson who might be able to counter his size, but other than that, the Generals have the advantage over other teams.
5. Taft has strong post play of their own
While Taft is going to be strong on the perimeter, they also will have size in the front court. Senior Myles Lofton is a tough, hard-nosed player who took multiple charges throughout the game, including the one that decided the game. He also made his presence felt in the paint. And Taft is awaiting Duke Gibson who is sitting out due to transfer rules. When he gets back, that’s going to be one solid frontcourt.