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| Summit will count on the defense of big Mike Barwick to slow down Taft |
People will come far and near for the rematch between Summit Country Day (17-0) and Taft (12-4) of last year’s Regional Finals. The Taft Senators come in riding a 9 game winning streak and a 21 point whooping of the Woodward Bulldogs last week (77-56). They were led by Jalen Lowe 21 (13.2 ppg), Dwayne Stanford 16 (9.1 ppg 6.9 rpg) and Orlando Berry 11 (13.4 ppg 4.5 rpg 8.1 apg). The Senators also have Mr. Basketball candidate Adolphus "Diesel" Washington (20.7 ppg15.4 rpg 1.7 bpg) who is coming off his lowest output of the season 7 pts and 4 rebs, do not expect the same. Taft will not change their style of play, they will constantly try to speed you up and wear you down with their press and their depth of the bench. Off the bench look for the "super subs" (Rasaan Jackson and Fred Canady) to come in and contribute whether it is to pick up a little scoring or to be a lock down defender. What you see is what you get when it comes to the Senators.
Summit on the other hand comes in riding a 17 game winning streak and looking for redemption from last year’s Regional Final. They are led by Junior Kevin Johnson (14.9 ppg 8.1 rpg 2.9 apg), Senior Holden Herzel (11.8 ppg 6.2 rpg) and Sophomore Antonio Woods (11.4 ppg 4.6 rpg 4.1 apg). Summit will also have big contributions from Senior Tommy Kreyenhagen who is only playing in his 5th game since coming off surgery; his long range bombs are needed to keep Taft honest. Senior Jake Rawlings will be called upon for leadership and poise. Sophomore Mike Barwick might have the biggest job (5.4 ppg 5.9 rpg), don't let the stats fool you where he will be needed is something that does not show up in the line. He has to be physically and mentally tough he will be banging with Adolphus Washington all night.
I believe in the underdog but it’s hard to go against Taft they have been there before and they are looking to stay on their mission to win another State title. Stay tuned for this game and other local action from CPHR.
Barring a letdown i don't see any II-IV local team defeating Taft.That being said Summit has the goods to make it interesting only if KJ steps to the forefront.Taft's real strength is the pressure they apply out front with their guards which is a tall order for any local guard tandem to withstand.My gut tells me this game could'nt have come at a better time for the Senators as they've been playing a tad uninspired,but i suspect when the bright lights come on in a game such as tonites they'll impose their will and it'll be a little more than the Knights cant withstand.
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