Boys’ basketball: Taft unveils its newest standout

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Spring-league basketball began Monday night at Los Angeles Fairfax, and Woodland Hills Taft finally got to use 6-foot-5 Bryce Jones in a varsity game. The wait was worth it. Jones, limited to junior varsity last season after transferring from View Park Prep, should help the Toreadors fill the offensive void left by the graduating Michael Williams and Justin Hawkins.

Jones has lots of scoring ability. Also appearing for the Toreadors was 6-8 De’Andre Daniels, who sat out last season after transferring from Renaissance. Former Taft standout Larry Drew Jr., now a freshman at North Carolina, was in the stands watching his younger brother, Landon, in the game against La Canada. The Toreadors were leading by 15 points in the third quarter.

Earlier in the night, a Fairfax team without Renardo Sidney and Solomon Hill defeated La Canada St. Francis, 76-40. Junior-to-be Laik Carter had 21 points. Jordan Weathers added 17 points. The Lions are going to apply more pressure defense and run more.

Encino Crespi, lacking several of its players, was still able to defeat Santa Monica, 51-45. Michael Avery continues to improve for the Celts.

The big game next Monday night at 6 is Fairfax against Taft. The intensity level will be high for the two City Section powers. I’m not going to miss that one.

-- Eric Sondheimer