HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

If you want to play boys’ basketball at Taft, you better be prepared for discipline.

First-year Coach Derek Taylor is a juvenile probation officer and assistant Ron Kelly is a probation officer for adults.

“We have the most disciplined team around,” Taylor said.

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Just when sophomore Steve Smith of Taft proclaimed himself a football player who plays basketball, he suddenly improved his basketball skills.

Aided by much-improved three-point shooting, Smith is averaging 26.1 points and 9.0 rebounds for the Toreadors (8-3).

“That’s the big difference from last season--he shoots the ball well,” Taylor said.

Smith is expected to miss Taft’s final two games this week in the Eagle Rock tournament because of a family trip.

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Top pitcher Tyler Adamczyk of Westlake changed his mind and decided to play basketball this season, but he still has time for baseball.

On Thursday, he plans to pitch for Westlake in an 8:30 a.m. game in the Brea winter tournament, then play basketball for the Warriors in a tournament, also in Brea.

Whether it was good planning or coincidence, Adamczyk is hopeful he can play both sports on the same day.