Boys JV hoops beat a talented Taft team at home today, 44-38. Will Machnik led all scorers with 20 points. Teddy Hamadeh finished with yet another double-double (11 points, 14 rebounds) and gave the Doors a 17-16 advantage at halftime on a brilliant, full-court buzzer beater layup in only four seconds and three dribbles. Deerfield also received important contributions on defense and from the free throw line from Mac Hynds and Sungmin Ahn. Marty Liu energized the crowd with an exciting steal which sparked a key fast break. Max Peh and Theo Lewis made critical assists against Taft’s 2-3 zone, ultimately leading the Rhinos to opt for a man-to-man defense in the final seven minutes of the game. Taft drew to within one point late in the second half, but Deerfield rallied and held off the Rhinos’ charge. The win brings the team’s record to 7-5 with just four games remaining in the season.