HS HOOPS: Lots of excitement for Taft-Loyola

It's a few minutes until tipoff at Taft, where the host Toreadors take on Loyola in a Div. I Southern California Regional, and though it's not packed, there is excitement in the air as the teams ready for the first round of the state playoffs.

Taft coach Derrick Taylor told me earlier today he plans to return to a full-court press for 32 minutes, something the Toreadors have gotten away from lately.

It should be an interesting night for Taft sixth-man Jordan Gathers, who started for Loyola last year before moving to the San Fernando Valley.

-- Gerry Gittelson