Taft opens strong on national stage in Florida

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Undefeated Taft (5-0) looked imposing in its 77-40 victory over Punta Gorda (Fla.) Charlotte Tuesday in the opening round of the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Meyers, Fla.

Previously unbeaten Charlotte (8-1) was ranked fifth among the state’s 5A schools.

The Toreadors get a different test tonight: Holy Cross, from Flushing, New York. The 3-0 Knights are led by 6-6 guard Sylven Landesberg, who’s committed to Virginia.

Taft will play in Florida this week and Raleigh, N.C. next week before returning to California. Coach Derrick Taylor is not expecting any discipline issues while the team is on the road.

‘The kids know if they mess up, they and a coach are on the first plane back to Los Angeles, and they are suspended for the season,’ he said. ‘That’s non-negotiable.’

-- Mike Terry