Drew takes it higher at Taft

Larry Drew Jr., the North Carolina-bound point guard from Woodland Hills Taft, received plenty of teasing from teammates and coaches last summer because he couldn't dunk a basketball.

"He was Woody Harrelson," Coach Derrick Taylor said, referring to the star of the 1992 movie "White Men Can't Jump."

But after taking a couple of weeks off because of shin splint problems, Drew returned with a new talent.

"I've been telling everyone I don't know where it came from," he said of his dunking ability.

In truth, it was simply his body maturing, but what a difference it made.

Drew was the player of the year in the City Section. No opposing team or individual was able to contain the 6-footer, who led Taft to a 65-55 victory over Los Angeles Fairfax in the City Championship Division title game at the Sports Arena.

Tonight, he'll be in Milwaukee, where he will take part in the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN.

It's the same senior all-star game that featured college freshmen standouts Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo and Michael Beasley last season. And before them, such NBA stars as Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, LeBron James and Kevin Garnett, to name a few.

Joining Drew on the 2008 West team will be Jrue Holiday from North Hollywood Campbell Hall, DeMar DeRozan from Compton, Malcolm Lee from Riverside North and Brandon Jennings from Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill via Compton Dominguez.

In the girls' game at 4 p.m. on ESPNU, Jasmine Dixon from Long Beach Poly and Nikki Speed from Los Angeles Marlborough will represent the Southland.

On Monday night, Drew won the event's three-point shooting contest, continuing a hot streak that began with the final four games of his high school career.

In the City final, he scored 24 points, had six assists and twice elevated above the arms of 6-10 Renardo Sidney to score on layups.

In the first round of the Division I Southern California Regionals against Chino Hills, he scored 21 points and had 13 assists.

In the next night's regional quarterfinals, with his team leading by only three points going into the fourth quarter, he scored 17 of his 32 points to help beat Oceanside El Camino.

"That was Jordanesque," Taylor said.

In a semifinal game against Riverside King, he had 35 points in an 83-82 overtime defeat, scoring Taft's final two baskets on three-pointers.

Drew averaged 14 points a game during the regular season, but when the competition became tougher and his team needed him to produce, he asserted himself at decisive moments.

His improved strength and quickness, combined with his uncanny point-guard instincts and knowledge, have transformed him into a player who already looks ready to play for his next team, the top-ranked Tar Heels.

Drew has earned his moment in the spotlight.

Admiring Fairfax Coach Harvey Kitani said, "I think what makes him so outstanding is his character. He's such a good kid. He's class. That attitude will allow him to reach his potential."