comdom

SoCal High School & Prep Report

Jason Day: Poly-Artesia Winter Classic--
Dominguez vs. Compton--(February 1, 1998)

Our own Jason Day was at the Goldmine at Long Beach State on Saturday night for the long-awaited showdown of Dominguez v. Compton played in the Poly-Artesia Winter Classic. Well, it was a fine showcase for Dominguez and Tayshaun Prince, and a great opportunity to see the Dominguez team in action. And even if the game didn't live up to its "State Championship Division II" billing, it was quite a show. And, as always, if you've got some feedback for Jason, feel free to write to him at elgee333@pacbell.net. Here's his take on the game.

DOMINGUEZ CRUSHES COMPTON

PRINCE LEADS DONS WITH ALL-AMERICAN PERFORMANCE

by Jason Day

The artist STILL known as Prince, Tayshaun Prince that is, gave a command performance against Compton at the Poly/Artesia Classic held last night at the Cal State Long Beach Goldmine. The Kentucky bound 6'8 senior put on an offensive clinic in front of a standing room only crowd, and gave Compton fits every time he was on the floor. Blasting away from beyond NBA 3-point range, and cleaning every rebound that was anywhere near his "Boeing-like" wing span, Prince carried the Dons to an easy 72-48 drubbing of the Tarbabes. His game high 22pts. was only the electrifying part of his show, he added 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists. Selected to the U.S. Junior Select Team this week, Prince will undoubtedly also be showcased in the McDonald’s All-American game.

The score might give the impression that this was one of those boring one-sided blowouts. It was one-sided, and it was a blow-out, but it was not boring. Not by a long shot.

The Dons scored 17 straight points to open the game before Compton finally got on the board with 2:00 left in the 1st period. They were up 22-5 at the end of the first.

Why? Simple. Too much Prince, Kincade (6'4 JR, Keith Kincade}, and freshman phenom, 7'0 Tyson Chandler. Not enough Compton baskets falling.

The Compton players shot open shot after open shot for the whole first half, and an incredible amount of them just would not fall. Senior PG, Deandre Moore, had a horrific half, managing only 2 pts (on free throws) and a steal. His inside weapon, 6'9 SR C, David Hamilton could only contribute 6 pts. after going 2 for 8 from the line, and 5 boards. Milton Riley, 6'7 SR? Flatline for the whole game. I might have missed one, but I did not record a single stat for him, and he started. Tito Maddox, 6'4 JR, who can fill it up when he’s on, was definitely off. Goose egg for the first half, 6pts. 3 boards for the game.

So it was boring, right? I said no.

You see while Compton was sputtering and fizzling, Dominguez was putting on a show. And Prince’s co-star in the half was his new sidekick, Chandler. Let’s skip to the superlatives right now. Barring any etc., etc., the will be a superstar. High school, college, NBA. Period. As quick and agile a seven footer as you’ll see at any level, let alone 14-15 yrs. old, this young man put Compton (and everyone else) on notice early. DON"T BRING THAT WEAK @#$% IN HERE!!!. Four spectacular blocks, including a looping demolition of a Hamilton power move to the hoop, and 5 boards. He had to alter another 5 or 6.

He’s even developing a bit of a "swagger". After sending the efforts of a much smaller Compton player into the netherworld, Chandler looked at the shooter as if to say, "I don’t believe you actually tried to shoot that crap over me. Ask somebody." After what appeared to be an injury to an arm, he did not play in the second half. Dominguez coach, Russell Otis, told me the injury was not serious and that Tyson would be OK. You could see the relief on his face as he was saying it.

Prince’s other co-star was 6'4 JR, Keith Kincade. In my mind, he’s the Don’s Albert Miller (Westchester star), you don’t notice what he’s doing but then you look up and he’s got 20. He had 14pts., 2 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals for the half. Finished with 20pts, (2-3 pointers),5 boards

2, and 2.

I could go on, but you get the picture. Halftime -- Dominguez 36, Compton 14.

Second half. More of the same.

While Hamilton came on a bit for Compton (he finished with 16 pts. 9 boards, 2 blocks, and an assist), Moore (8pts. 2 assists) was still cold. Riley never showed up, and Maddox could only contribute 6pts. and a couple of boards. 6'4 SR, Ray Ross, tried the rescue role, finishing with 6 boards, 3 steals, 2 assists, to go with 7 pts.. He worked his butt off again, but it wasn’t near enough in this one.

On the Dominguez side, Prince was toying with the defenders by now. He hit a three in Moore’s face that had to be from 28 feet. Every time he came down he was setting up for the bomb. He had 3 - 3's in the half.

Walter Small, 6'5 senior, decided to get some too, blowing up for 12pts. in the half, including a pretty 3 in Hamilton’s face that had him smiling at David all the way back on D. Walter finished with 14 pts. 2 boards.

So it was a blowout, but it was an entertaining blowout. Dominguez 72, Compton 48.

So, the Dons roll on. Their next big test should be at the Nike Extravaganza, on Saturday, February 7, in the Bren Center at UC Irvine. They’ll take on Oak Hill Academy (VA), again one of the top rated teams in the nation. Dominguez lost to them last year at this same event.

Footnote. You may have noticed that Jason Thomas’ name was not mentioned above. He was not at the game. When I talked to Coach Otis, he reminded me that I had asked him at the MLK Challenge about rumors that Jason was going to "pick and choose" those games he wished to play in for the rest of the season. You’ll remember that he did return to the team and the MLK to play against Westchester. At that time, Otis told me that he knew nothing about "picking and choosing" and that as far he was concerned there would be "none of that". Adding, "A player who returns from an injury or whatever, is expected to be back and playing on the team for all of the games."

So. Where’s Jason?

"Who knows.", was Otis’ response. And then he reminded me about our previous conversation on the subject.

Hmmmm.

See ya.

Jason Day