Taft Beats Ventura, 68-55
Jack Pollon
March 9, 2009
Michel Williams picked up right where he left off from last Friday, scoring 30 points to lead Taft of Woodland Hills to a less than impressive 68-55 victory against Ventura in a Division I first round state Southern Regional game.
Williams has been on a tear the last 10 days scoring 20 points against Fairfax of Los Angeles in a City Section semifinal and pouring in 32 points against Westchester of Los Angeles in the City championship three days ago.
Williams was at his best Monday scoring 17 points in the first half and then making a key 3-pointer with 2:05 remaining giving Taft a nine point lead.
"I am just really in rhythm right now," Williams said. "I am making my shots in the flow of the offense but I have to try and get my teammates going to."
Taft is getting much production offensively from anyone else although Justin Hawkins rebounded from a subpar performance in the City final with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Taft led by 16 points with seven minutes remaining but saw the lead dwindle all the way down to six points before Williams restored order with his 3-pointer.
Mike Melonas led Ventura with 16 points. Melonas and Ricky Fausset each had three-point plays during Ventura's 13-3 run.
It might have been a different story for the Southern Section Division I-A runner-up had it not only scored five points in the second quarter and dig itself a 17-point halftime deficit.
"I think we were a little startled from the get go," Ventura coach Dan Larson said. "Taft i sa very quick team. They caught us off guard. Once we adjusted we were fine but we had too many missed free throws."
The Cougars were nine of 20 at the free throw line. Taft made 10 of 14 in the fourth quarter alone.
Paul Batausa and James Kelsch each added 10 points for Ventura. Kelsch scored all of his points in the fourth quarter.
Taft coach Derrick Taylor was happy his team advanced to tonight's quarterfinal hosting Dominguez of Compton but knows his team must play better to keep going.
"We didn't play our typical defense and had way too many unforced turnovers," Taylor said. "The turnaround from the weekend to Monday was so quick. We always rise to the occasion so I know we will be ready in the next round."