High School Basketball

Taft 81, Venice 70--All-City guard Dedan Thomas scored a career-high 35 points, had 12 assists and 6 steals as the Toreadors (2-0) defeated the Gondoliers in a nonleague game at Venice.

Forward Tony Middleton, who hit 9 of his last 10 shots, finished with 22 points--his career high--and 11 rebounds. Derrick Jones and Tom Shea each scored 15 for Venice (0-2).

San Fernando 63, Van Nuys 54--San Fernando trailed, 46-40, going into the final period before rallying in the nonleague game at home. Lance Whitaker led the Tigers (1-1) with 23 points and 17 rebounds.

Grant 78, Canoga Park 49--Nate Connor and Troy Mcleod combined for 21 first-half points to help visiting Grant (1-1) to a 45-16 halftime lead en route to a victory. Connor and Mcleod finished with 18 and 13 points.

Sean Reyes scored a game-high 19 points for Canoga Park (0-2).

El Camino Real 61, Birmingham 45--Brent Lofton of El Camino Real led all scorers with 27 points. Host Birmingham was led by Glenn Sucich and Tyrone Craig, who each scored 14 in the nonleague game.

El Segundo 89, Hart 84 (OT)--Guard Scott Panfil scored 5 of his 25 points in overtime as the Eagles knocked the Indians out of the semifinal consolation round of the El Segundo tournament.

Hart forward Brett Wilson scored a game-high 35 points.

Sherman Oaks (CES) 92, Downtown Business Magnet 79--Senior Marcus Littlejohn scored 47 points for Sherman Oaks CES (1-2) in the consolation semifinals of the St. Monica’s tournament.