HS HOOPS: Taft's Johnson ready to rock

The summer basketball season is kicking into gear, and Taft High of Woodland Hills has unleashed Kevin Johnson, a multi-skilled, 6-foot-10, 248-pound senior forced to sit out last season because of transfer restrictions after arriving from Serra of Gardena.

"He's a big, powerful guy who can really play," Taft coach Derrick Taylor said. "He makes great plays, he has a good hands and really good foot speed. He's a force."

Johnson scored 30 points in one game with a 40-minute running clock, Taylor said.

Johnson has been dividing time between Taft, his Nike travel team and a commitment to academics, but he is scheduled to be on hand Saturday for a high-profile tournament at USC that includes Nevada power Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas, Long Beach Poly, Centennial of Corona, Orange Lutheran and Crenshaw of L.A.

Johnson also toyed with the idea of trying out for the football team but has decided to focus on basketball.

"Kevin has abandoned that idea. It was wishful thinking," Taylor said.

-- Gerry Gittelson