This Time, Dominguez Takes Oak Hill Into Overtime but Loses

A year ago Compton Dominguez, on its way to a second consecutive state basketball title, got manhandled in an 11-point loss to perennial national power Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill.

On Saturday the Dons stayed with the Warriors (21-1) for four quarters and then some, but lost in overtime, 65-63, at the Nike Extravaganza in Irvine.

Oak Hill guard Lloyd Price’s driving layup with two seconds to play brought to conclusion a game filled with scintillating dunks, solid defense, scorching fast breaks and high-arching jumpers.

It was fitting that Price, who plans to attend Xavier University in the fall, would make the last big play. The 6-foot-4 senior, who led all scorers with 21 points, was all over the court. On defense he had three steals and spent most of the game harassing Dominguez (and Kentucky-bound) guard Tayshaun Prince, who made only five of 18 shot attempts and was held to 14 points.

“The play was supposed to be for me to penetrate the lane then pass off,” Price said. “But I saw a little daylight.”

Dominguez (18-4) sent the game into overtime when freshman center Tyson Chandler, who had 14 points before fouling out, made two free throws with four seconds to play.

The Dons--who rallied from a 45-36 third quarter deficit--had their chances. Although they shot only 43% from the field, Dominguez defensively hounded Oak Hill into a 36% shooting night and were nearly even in rebounding (33-34).

“They did a very good job penetrating our defenses and making plays,” Warrior Coach Steve Smith said. “I’m just very glad Tayshaun didn’t shoot well against us, again.”

They also had a 61-58 lead with 1:59 left in overtime, until Warrior guard Terry Reynolds tied the score with a three-point shot.

But Dominguez could not secure the victory because it went cold at the free-throw line, making only 15 of 24 in the game.

The Dons nearly forced a second overtime. With a second left, Dominguez used its “home run” play, where the man taking the ball out of bounds throws it to another player out of bounds. He then throws the ball up the court.

The play appeared to work as Prince got the ball and made a 20-footer. But the scorekeeper inadvertently started the clock and the horn went off. Although Dominguez got the ball and the second back, it was unable to get off a shot on the second time.

“I had gone down to the scorer’s table, and told them not to start the clock until the ball was inbounds,” Don Coach Russell Otis said.

Instead Dominguez will have to wait and see if it can get another meeting with Oak Hill next year.

Santa Ana Mater Dei 81, Elizabeth (N.J.) St. Patrick 76--Steve Scoggin had 22 points and the Monarchs (16-7) shot 56% from the field to upset the nation’s third-ranked team. The Celtics (12-3) were led by Al Harrington who had 26 points and 17 rebounds.