Dominguez Handles Rumors and Artesia

Playing amid rumors it held practice last weekend in violation of Southern Section rules, Compton Dominguez posted a come-from-behind victory over Lakewood Artesia, 63-59, in the Division II-A final Saturday afternoon before 6,000 at the Pond of Anaheim.

It was the third consecutive II-A title for the Dons, who improved to 25-5. Artesia dropped to 29-3. Both teams will receive automatic berths in the State Southern Regional tournament, which begins Tuesday.

Several newspapers and Southern Section Commissioner Dean Crowley received anonymous phone calls last week claiming the team had held a practice last Sunday, which isn’t allowed.

But with no concrete evidence, Crowley called the matter “a hoax.”

“The rumor mill has been going on all season,” Dominguez Coach Russell Otis said, “so we don’t let all these accusations bother us.”

Dominguez started slowly against a smaller and less physical Artesia team. The Dons shot only 27% from the field in the first half, including two of 14 from three-point range.

Artesia held a slim lead for most of the game and led, 55-50, with four minutes remaining. But two turnovers by sophomore Jason Kapono helped Dominguez turn the tide.

Forward Jason Thomas scored seven of his game-high 21 points in the fourth quarter for Dominguez, and his two free throws with 1:19 to go put the Dons ahead for good, 60-59.

Guard Kenny Brunner scored 19 points and forward Tayshaun Prince had 14 rebounds for Dominguez.

Guard James Murdoch had 16 points, 11 rebounds and five assists for Artesia, and teammates Kapono and Brian Hills each scored 13 points.