HS HOOPS: Taft's road to state title begins tonight
City Section champion Taft is top-seeded in the Southern California Regionals beginning tonight against visiting Chino Hills (27-4), which means the Toreadors need five victories to become the first area program ever to win the CIF State Div. I championship.
First things first, of course. Chino Hills, in its fifth varsity season, had won 12 in a row before a section semifinal loss Tuesday to King of Riverside. Chino Hills was without third-leading scorer Antoine Lawrence that night because he had been ejected from the previous game.
Chino Hills' top scorer Cory Harkey (16.8 points, 9.9 rebounds) might sound familiar: He has committed to a UCLA football scholarship as a tight end.
Verizon reception is a bit spotty in Taft's gym, so I'll update when I can, especially if something crazy happens -- like Chino Hills actually gives the Toreadors a game. We shall see.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com