BOYS' BASKETBALL: MAGIC SUITS UP FOR TAFT EVENT CELEBRITY TEAM LOSES TO ALUMS.

Byline: SEAN CEGLINSKY Staff Writer

Seemingly everyone in attendance at Taft High did a double-take after walking into the gym Thursday night.

It's not every day that you see Earvin ``Magic'' Johnson stretching out on the floor at midcourt, preparing to play basketball in Woodland Hills.

The NBA legend was one of many former players on hand for the second annual celebrity basketball game, in which the Taft alumni defeated the Magic-led Celebs, 110-100.

``I haven't played basketball for a couple of years but it's worth coming out here and giving back to the community,'' Johnson said. ``These types of events are important. It gives us a chance to reach out to highschool kids and show them some love.''

Johnson showed glimpses of what made him so special during his playing days, dribbling the length of the floor and throwing no-look passes with regularity to teammates Pooh Richardson, a UCLA product, and Bryon Russell, a 13-year NBA veteran.

The Celebs took a 21-18 lead at the end of the first quarter after Johnson found actor Bill Bellamy for a layup, and a Russell 3-pointer gave the Celebs a 51-50 lead at halftime.

Johnson played all 16 minutes of the first half and finished with three points -- on a baby hook and a free-throw -- before departing to watch the second half of the Lakers' game against Utah at the Staples Center.

``I'd love to stay and get some more excercise but I have to run and catch my Lakers,'' Johnson said.

The Taft alumni took over in the second half behind Matt Cook, a member of the Toreadors' 2004 team that won the City Section title. He finished with 21 points, including four 3-pointers. Shane Berry, a 2001 graduate, added 21points.

``It's all about giving back,'' Richardson said. ``We're out here for the kids. We want to show them we care about them and their futures.''

In addition, Taft held a silent auction in which items such as a signed basketball by Johnson and framed pictures of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were available.

``This event was a hit,'' Taft coach Derrick Taylor said.

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