Boys Hoops: Westchester tournament

Taft of Woodland Hills, trying to adjust to life without North Carolina guard Larry Drew for the firs time in four years, is in the semifinals Friday night against Leuzinger of Lawndale.

The Toreadors beat Manual Arts of Los Angeles (78-52) on Monday and disposed of West Valley League foe Birmingham of Lake Balboa, 61-41, on Wednesday.

Justin Hawkins (UNLV) and Terran Carter (Cal St. Northrige) have been leading the way along with 3-point bomber Michael Williams but it has been Dorsey of Los Angeles transfer Sam Natt surprising the most.

Natt pushed his way into the starting line-up and scored 13 points Wednesday including three 3-pointers.

Natt gives Taft that much needed fourth player than can score points and keep the defenses honest.

Taft likely will play Westchester or Domingues of Compton if it reaches the final on Saturday night but Windward of Los Angeles and Bishop Montgomery of Torrance will try and steal the the attention in quarterfial games scheduled for Thursday night.

Arleta fell to 0-3 on the young season but played tough in losses to Washington Prep of Los Angeles and King-Drew of Watts.

The Mustangs have a bright prospect in 6'4 sophomore forward Alex Moreno.