Taft Tries to Prove It Can Play With Best

Finally, Taft High gets its chance to prove it is a legitimate girls’ basketball force in the region.

The Toreadors (13-0), ranked No. 7 in the region by The Times, have shredded an admittedly weak schedule, including a 76-10 rout of Birmingham on Friday.

On Wednesday, Taft travels to three-time defending West Valley League champion Chatsworth (12-5) for a game that could decide the league championship. Both teams are 2-0 in league play.

“It will be a very exciting game,” Taft Coach Mark Drucker said. “I know [Chatsworth Coach] Raquel [Alotis] thinks she has the three best guards in the Valley, but I like my three guards too.”

Chatsworth, which has played one of the City Section’s most challenging schedules, has been led by All-Valley selection Liz Sun, Ashley Shelton and Britney Hamilton, a transfer from Buena.

Schquay Brignac, Denisha McCoy and Christina Aguinaga, a transfer from El Camino Real, pace Taft.

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First place also will be on the line in several other leagues.

Tonight, defending Pacific View League champion Oxnard (8-8, 2-0) hosts No. 6 Camarillo (14-3, 1-0) and defending Golden League champion Antelope Valley (17-3, 3-0), ranked No. 4 in the region, hosts Palmdale (12-7, 3-0).

On Wednesday, No. 7 Taft (13-0, 2-0) travels to three-time defending West Valley League champion Chatsworth (12-5, 2-0).

No. 5 Saugus (14-2, 3-0) hosts defending Foothill League champion Valencia (16-3, 3-0), ranked No. 8, and North Hollywood (9-8, 2-0) travels to defending Sunset Six League champion Grant (10-7, 2-0) on Friday.

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Forward Kelly Greathouse broke Buena’s career scoring record last week, surpassing her sister Nicole’s mark of 1,697.

Greathouse, a senior who has committed to North Carolina State, has scored 1,749 points.

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Coach Susan Hervey of Paraclete registered her 100th career victory last Tuesday in an Alpha League girls’ victory over Pasadena Marshall.

Hervey is in her fifth season with the Spirits.