Thrilling Basketball Clash: Buckley Defeats Taft 64-61

SHERMAN OAKS – First-year Taft head coach Roy Walker came in to Friday night’s contest searching for consistency. His Toreadors were on a roller coaster with three straight wins followed by a four game slide. Meanwhile, the formula was simple for Buckley head coach Michael Senna and his Griffins: rebound against Taft’s size and survive the pressure. The Griffins did both, never blinking through momentum swings or the loss of its hottest player, as they held on for a gritty 64-61 win that showcased the growing parity in the Valley.

A competitive basketball scene featuring players in red and black uniforms defending against a player in a white Griffin jersey, who is dribbling a basketball while spectators watch from the stands.

A basketball player in a red jersey attempts a jump shot while being defended by an opponent in a white jersey during a game in a gymnasium.

Skilled junior Seki Bamani, Buckley’s tallest starter, set the tone immediately, scoring or assisting on the Griffins’ first 10 points. Taft answered inside, where junior Lazson Hebrard’s physical presence kept the Toreadors within reach.

Freshman phenom Jayden Garibay lit up the opening frame, torching Taft for eight points and two blocks while forming a devastating early one-two punch with Bamani as Buckley surged ahead. Only a timely Carter Marcus-Card three at the first quarter buzzer kept Taft close, 19-15.

A basketball player wearing a red jersey attempts a layup while being challenged by a defender in a white jersey during a game at a school gymnasium. Spectators watch from the sidelines.

A basketball player in a red uniform is preparing to shoot the ball while two opponents are in the background on a gym court.

Despite picking up his third foul early in the second quarter, Taft junior point guard Joseph Dickson Jr. stayed aggressive, pressuring the ball, slicing through the lane, and keeping the Toreadors in contention. “He’s everything for us,” Walker said. Freshman Kamren Booker added energy plays off the bench.

But Buckley matched the intensity. The pace was blistering and sophomore Zubin Esmail thrived in the chaos, pouring in 10 second-quarter points. The Griffins’ bench stayed poised in the face of Taft’s aggressive defense, led by junior Eli Jeser, whose impact loomed large. At the half it was Buckley 39, Taft 34.

A basketball player in a white jersey jumps to make a layup while two defenders in red jerseys attempt to block the shot during a game.

A basketball player in a red jersey (#22) leaps to make a shot while opposing players attempt to block him. The setting is an indoor basketball court, with spectators in the background.

Taft pushed back in the third. Brady Knudsen battled on the boards and snagged a steal. Freshman Alfred “Deebo” Parker sparked a late surge. When Bamani went down with an ankle injury with 2:37 left and Buckley clinging to a two-point lead, the momentum swung hard. Taft won the quarter 14-12, trimming the deficit to 51-48.

A basketball player in a red uniform dribbles the ball while two opposing players in white and green uniforms defend him during a game.

A basketball game scene with two players in Griffins uniforms competing for possession of the ball, while a third player looks on. The crowd is visible in the background.

The fourth opened with Jayden Thomas’ defense fueling Taft’s offense. Garibay answered with a tough layup and another three, but Dickson Jr. refused to let the game slip away, attacking the basket relentlessly. Esmail buried a clutch three to halt a Taft run. Down 61-59 with less than a minute left the Toreadors attacked the boards, missed two point blank layups for the tie, but Dickson Jr. forced the issue, hitting a driving layup in traffic to tie it at 61 with 12 seconds left.

A high school basketball game in progress, featuring players in red and white uniforms. A player in a black shirt with the number 8 is jumping to shoot the basketball while being defended by opposing players. The setting includes a basketball court with seating and a banner of the school in the background.

Buckley maintained their poise and quickly broke the Toreadors’ press. With five seconds left, Taft’s defense swarmed but fouled Jeser on a three-point attempt. He calmly knocked down all three free throws. A last-second heave came up empty, sealing a thrilling Griffins win.

A young male basketball player in a white jersey labeled 'GRIFFINS' dribbles a basketball during a game, while spectators watch from the bleachers.

Dickson Jr. led Taft with 19 points and four assists. Walker praised the effort afterward: “The kids fought hard. We got down early, but we competed. That’s what matters.” Taft (5-9) opens league play Wednesday January 14th at Birmingham with tip-off set for 4:55 p.m.

Garibay and Esmail paced Buckley with 19-points apiece. Bamani scored 15 in just over a half of play. But it was a total team effort to seal the win. Senna spoke about the growing parity in the valley. “The whole (Independence) league is deep. Pacifica Christian is super talented. Playing at Holy Martyrs is tough. Our league has consistently improved over the last seven years, so it’s in a completely different place now.” Buckley (13-6) fell to Holy Martyrs 75-64 on Monday and continue league play on Wednesday when they visit Le Lycee for a 7:00 pm start.

all photos by Benjamin Becher