Chick-fil-A Classic
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009
Game 20 Summary

For a lot of the players, the annual Chick-fil-A Classic offers a chance for new experiences.

Ask Taft coach Mark Mitchell, whose team defeated Lexington Catholic 68-67 in the final day of the tournament at Richland Northeast Tuesday.

“When I was hired here six years ago our principal, Anthony Smith, and Jack Cassidy of the Cincinnati Bell, made a commitment for this program to be on a national level,” Mitchell said. “They provided the resources, the hard work. We are an inner-city school in Ohio and sometimes our kids don’t get to experience things like this _ go to different place, meet different people and to play against the best.”

The Senators, 7-1, had their hands full against Lexington Catholic. Taft led by as much as 13 points in the first half, but found itself fighting to stay in the game the second.

“Sophomores…” said Mitchell. “We start three sophomores and this is a process for them. We handled things in the first half, but then fell asleep. They feel the pressure. In high school, every game is important. In Ohio we are picked to win the state championship. Well, if we are going to do that, then we’ve got to play teams such as Lexington Catholic.”

Adoplhus Washington led Taft with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Cameron Mitchell added 18 points and Kevin Mitchell finished with 14.

Jaylen Beckham led Lexington with 28 points.