Fairfax Tournament - Saturday Roundup
Jack Pollon
June 27, 2009
The Taft of Woodland Hills boys’ basketball team hasn’t been at full strength for the better part of three weeks.
It really hasn’t mattered much as the Toreadors have won 10 of its first 11 games this summer, including a 37-27 victory against Crespi of Encino on Sunday morning in a consolation game of the Nike Fairfax tournament.
Taft’s only loss so far has been an 84-82 overtime defeat to Orange Lutheran in the first round.
That loss came on the same day and only two hours after the Toreadors beat Pasadena in a semifinal of the War on the Floor tournament.
One player taking advantage of not having De’Andre Daniels, Bryce Jones, Domonique Evans and Landon Drew at every game is George Idehan.
Idehan had seven points and eight rebounds against Crespi, including a lay-up and a free throw lat ein the game to help the Toreadors quell a Crespi comeback.
Idehan will be a senior forward next year to help provide solid play and depth off the bench.
“I have just been patient and knew I had to wait my turn,” Idehan said. “I have learned from the best, from Larry Drew and Eugene Phelps to Justin Hawkins and Terra Carter. I model my game after those guys. I just want to help us win another City championship.”
Taft coach Derrick Taylor added, “George has emerged as a star for us. He is super-athletic and relentless on the boards. He can do a lot of things on the court.”
Taft led 18-4 in the first half before Crespi cut the deficit to 11 points by halftime and had it down to three on a Jericho Richardson lay-up with four minutes remaining.
However, turnovers and poor shot selection doomed the Celts for the third time in the tournament. Crespi had halftime leads against Fairfax and Dorsey before losing control in the second half earlier this week.
Pierson Williams scored 14 points to lead Taft and junior-to-be forward Reggie Coates had 12 for Crespi.
JOHNSON PROPELS CAMPBELL HALL
What a difference one player can make.
After getting blown out by Loyola of Los Angeles two days ago without one of its best players, Campbell Hall of North Hollywood returned the favor in a 47-38 victory in another consolation game.
The main reason was the return of 6’8 senior-to-be forward James Johnson.
Johnson scored 24 points, had 12 rebounds, blocked six shots and had two assists in the impressive win without star guard Austin McBroom.
Loyola was missing Jordan Gathers and Tony Wroblicky but Johnson’s performance was sensational.
“I don’t think it is just me,” a too humble Johnson said. “I just think we didn’t play a really good game as a team when I wasn’t there.”
Coach Steve Wachs added, “Obviously, he makes a huge difference. Our guards were more focused and the play improved. We still have plenty to do to get better. We have to cut down on turnovers.”
TOURNAMENTS DON’T END THIS SUMMER
Now that the War on the Floor and the Fairfax tournament are over, attention turns to the Van Nuys High showcase where play started Sunday and games will be played through Wednesday.
Games begin each day at 4 p.m., including Reseda vs. Cleveland of Reseda at 8 p.m. tonight, Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks vs. Birmingham of Lake Balboa on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. and Taft vs. Pasadena on Wednesday at 9 p.m.