The combination of Xavier Johnson and Stanley Johnson has allowed Mater Dei to eat up the glass thus far in the 2012 CIF State Playoffs. The Monarchs go into Saturday's matchup vs. Mission Viejo (3/10/12) with an extreme height advantage. Mater Dei suits up 8 guys that stand 6'5" and above, while the Diablos' tallest player checks in at 6 feet 7 inches.

Coached by former NBA player and Syracuse great Jason Hart, the Taft Toreadors, led by talented big man Anthony January, have been spanking opponents on their way to a potential state championship.

January and his teammates undoubtedly benefit from the knowledge and wisdom that Jason Hart brings to the table. There aren’t many future college level athletes that can glean first hand insight from a coach that carved out a long NBA career.

The UCLA Bruins basketball team shrugged off the recent controversy surrounding the state of the program to defeat the conference leading Washington Huskies 75-69 at Pauley Pavilion last Saturday. Amid the media storm, head coach Ben Howland’s job security has never been more tenuous. Rest assured, if the Bruins were making Final Fours like they used to under Howland, there would be no controversy.

It’s almost Spring and March Madness is about to take the country by storm. Office pools, brackets and riveting winner take all basketball will be in full force. For high school senior basketball stars, it’s a window to the future and their college aspirations. At this time next year, many of them will be leading their teams to the NCAA tournament and competing for the ultimate prize.

Talk about a nail-biter at the Anaheim Convention Center. The Mater Dei Monarchs were in full control over Long Beach Poly for most of the game, until a late run by the Jackrabbits made things very interesting.

Prior to Saturday night's Mater Dei vs. Long Beach Poly matchup, everyone was fully aware of what the Gary McKnight coached Monarchs squad had in its arsenal. UNLV commit Katin Reinhardt, Colorado Buffaloes commit Xavier Johnson, junior Elijah Brown and stellar sophomore Stanley Johnson filled out the star-studded Mater Dei lineup.

"They battle, they get after it. Their guards are very good," said Head Coach Gary McKnight of Loyola's Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Jacob Hazzard. Jackson-Cartwright nearly sealed the deal for the Cubs, however, Mater Dei's combo of senior center Xavier Johnson and sophomore forward Stanley Johnson put the clamps on Loyola's efforts.

After a long and turbulent recruiting process, former Oaks Christian wide receiver Jordan Payton is firmly ingrained at UCLA and ready to contribute as a freshman. At 6’2 200, Payton has the size, speed and play-making ability to warrant the interest he received. It is top flight recruits like Payton that exemplify the new Jim Mora era in Westwood.

1. Matt Barkley (QB/USC, Senior)

USC senior quarterback Matt Barkley enters the 2012 season as the clear front runner for the Heisman Trophy. With an arsenal of playmakers at his disposal, including receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, Barkley should put up big numbers on his way to leading the Trojans to the national title.

Heading into his fourth season under center, Barkley has the experience and leadership needed to lead USC back to greatness. Barring injury, expect Matt Barkley to take home the Heisman, win a national title and be the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Taft High School put in work tonight at Cal State Dominguez Hills. The LA City Section Division I Final Four got off to a hot start, as the Taft Toreadors jumped all over Crenshaw High School in the opening minutes. Taft was able to build an early lead over Crenshaw, and led 31-13 with 4:28 left in the second period.