Boys' basketball: Taft handles Mt. Vernon, ECR next

Taft had no problem with Mt. Vernon (New York) in a 72-56 victory at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass.

6-foot-10 Kevin Johnson exploded for 26 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks in his best game this season.

Johnson came ready to play on a national stage.

"Kevin can be as good as he wants to be," Taft coach Derrick Taylor said.

The Toreadors improved to 14-2 and will fly home for a huge West Valley League game Wednesday against undefeated El Camino Real.

First place will be on the line at Taft as the senior five of Taft (Johnson, Spencer Dinwiddie, C.J. Blackwell, Stephen Maxwell and Khiry Williams) take on New Mexico St.-bound Temjae Singleton, Anthony Jones and the young Conquistadores (Maleke Haynes, Julian Richardson and Evan Wardlow).