HS HOOPS: Taft wins going away in SoCal Regional first rounder

Give Chino Hills High credit for sticking around longer than expected against high-powered Taft of Woodland Hills.

The visiting Huskies were only two points down through the first 10 minutes before Taft decided to get serious in a Southern Regional first-round game Monday at Taft, as the Toreadors went on a 16-4 tear and never looked back in a 78-52 basketball victory that put the City Champions one step closer to a CIF State Div. I title.

Michael Williams sparked the rally with two 3-pointers, and Justin Hawkins’ flying slam dunk extended the lead to 14 at the half.

“You could see this coming after coming off a City championship on Saturday,” Taft’s Larry Drew said. “I think we might have celebrated a little too hard, and we came out flat tonight. But once we got the ball rolling and found our rhythm, we took over.”

Any chance of a comeback was wiped out when Taft (26-3) used three inside baskets by Eugene Phelps during a 10-2 run to begin the second half, extending the advantage to 47-25.

“I don’t think any player on our team didn’t try to do everything they could,” Chino Hills’ Cory Harkey said. “Taft is just stacked.”

Drew scored 21 points with 13 rebounds and nine assists. Hawkins and Terran Carter added 14 points, and Eugene Phelps scored 11. More than anything, Taft took good care of the basketball, committing just seven turnovers and allowing one steal.

Taft (26-3) plays host to Clovis East or Oceanside Tuesday night at 7 in the second round. The Southern California Regional semifinal is Thursday, followed by the final Saturday at the L.A. Sports Arena, then the State Championship on March 15 at Arco Arena in Sacramento.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com