Sky Seems to Be Limit for Chandler

Tyson Chandler still has one more year of high school before he goes to college or makes himself available for the NBA draft.

The 7-foot center from Compton Dominguez High has matured from the skinny freshman of 1997-98 into a sinewy junior who dominated this season and helped Dominguez claim its second consecutive Division II state championship and a mythical national title.

“By the end of the season, I felt like I could dominate, score or block a shot any time I wanted to,” Chandler said. “That’s why I want to keep getting better. I’m just now realizing the kind of player I can be.”

Chandler’s performance this season has earned him the George Yardley Award, presented annually by The Times to the top boys’ basketball player in Southern California.

It’s one of many accolades Chandler has received after averaging 20 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks a game for the Dons, who won their final 28 games and finished 35-2.

Chandler was named second-team All-American by Parade Magazine and the state player of the year by Cal-Hi Sports.

Chandler was most impressive in the Dons’ biggest games.

In February against Oak Hill Academy (Va.), ranked No. 1 in the nation at the time by USA Today, Chandler scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half and had eight rebounds and three blocks as then-No. 2 Dominguez won, 60-47.

In a 75-60 victory over Bakersfield Foothill in the Southern California regional final of the state tournament, he scored 25 points and had 16 rebounds and tied a state tournament record with 14 blocks.

In the Division II state final against Newark Memorial, Chandler concluded the season with 19 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks in the Dons’ 53-41 victory.

“Tyson was great this year,” Dominguez guard Steve Moore, a senior, said after the state final. “Next year? It’s going to be scary.”

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Boys’ Player of Year

George Yardley Award winners:

* 2000 Tyson Chandler, Compton Dominguez

* 1999 Casey Jacobsen, Glendora

* 1998 Tayshaun Prince, Compton Dominguez

* 1997 Baron Davis, Santa Monica Crossroads

* 1996 Corey Benjamin, Fontana

* 1995 Paul Pierce, Inglewood

* 1994 Jelani Gardner, Bellflower St. John Bosco

* 1993 Jacque Vaughn, Pasadena Muir

* 1992 Charles O’Bannon, Lakewood Artesia

* 1991 Cherokee Parks, Huntington Beach Marina