Dominguez Keeps Local Bragging Rights

Although Compton and Compton Dominguez high schools are located less than 10 miles apart, the distance in recent seasons has been much larger when comparing the two boys’ basketball programs.

Compton Dominguez is the two-time defending Division II state champion and the Dons the top-ranked team in the state again this season.

Compton had a chance to earn some respect when the two squared off in the second game of the Artesia-Long Beach Poly Classic on Saturday night. But hopes of an upset ended early.

Dominguez scored the first 17 points and went on to a 72-48 victory in front of 2,600 at Long Beach State.

“It was a big game for us to win,” Dominguez forward Tayshaun Prince said. “We’re cross-town rivals and I think everybody wanted to see us lose. I think they wanted Compton to be the new team to beat in the ‘hood.”

Dominguez (16-3) held Compton scoreless until Reggie Howard made a free throw with 1:57 left in the first quarter. Compton (20-4) missed its first 23 shots. David Hamilton, who scored 14 points, made the Tarbabes’ first basket on a lay-up with 3:27 left in the first half. Compton trailed at that point, 30-7.

Prince lead Dominguez with 22 points, 12 on three-point baskets. Keith Kincade added 18 points.

In an earlier game, Aaron Hamilton’s shot with two seconds left lifted Artesia over Long Beach Poly, 59-57.