Taft is clear favorite in state Division I

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The Southern California Regionals for the state boys’ basketball playoffs begin on Monday for Division I, and the pairings released on Sunday look good for top-seeded Taft (25-3), the City Section champion.

Taft will be the home team throughout and opens against Chino Hills in the 16-team bracket in which games are played on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. With Larry Drew Jr. leading the way, the Toreadors are heavily favored to reach Saturday’s regional final at the Sports Arena.

Their toughest game could come on Thursday in a semifinal against Westchester or Riverside King. Compton Dominguez is seeded No. 2 and should face Fairfax or Etiwanda in the semifinals.

-- Eric Sondheimer