Boys’ basketball: Taft is destination for 6-10 center

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Woodland Hills Taft, already loaded with top transfer students, is apparently about to get another, and he’s a big one. Kevin Johnson, a 6-foot-10 junior center from Gardena Serra, checked out of school on Thursday, with his mother informing school officials he’s headed to Taft, according to Serra Coach Dwain Hurt.

Johnson’s mother said she’d announce her son’s school decision on Friday.

Johnson’s arrival would be another impact transfer for the Toreadors, who already got senior guard Jordan Gathers from Los Angeles Loyola. Add to that, De’Andre Daniels and Bryce Jones transferred last season from Renaissance and View Park Prep and didn’t play, but they will be available this season.

Johnson has to move to become eligible, and if he does, Taft has established itself as a strong challenger to Westchester for the City Section and state Division I title.

Taft Coach Derrick Taylor said he has heard ‘rumors’ about Johnson coming but has stayed out of the picture. As for the transfer students, Taylor said, ‘As long as they come legit, I will take them all.’

-- Eric Sondheimer