Boys’ basketball: Taft comes through to defeat Brentwood, 49-46

Derrick Taylor was in an ornery mood. The veteran Taft coach pulled his entire starting five early in the third quarter after what he judged was their lack of hustle in a close game against Brentwood in the Beverly Hills tournament. They spent more than four minutes on the bench.

Freshman Demetrius Calip took advantage by making a three. And later in the fourth quarter, it was Calip delivering the decisive three on a baseline jumper with 1:16 left, and Taft was able to secure a 49-46 victory, improving to 3-0.

Abdurrahman Zaid had 20 points for Taft, but fouled out with 1:49 left. Standout guard Kihei Clark was having turnover problems. So who was going to step up? Calip did just that.

Brentwood had two open threes at the end of the game but neither went through the net. Brentwood falls to 4-1. Braelee Albert had 12 points.

Taft has now beaten Washington Prep, Inglewood and Brentwood using a lineup with little size. Later this month, the Toreadors are hopeful of getting 6-7 Antwan January eligible. They’re expected to offer the toughest competition to Birmingham in the West Valley League.

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