Dominguez Keeps Its National Dream Alive

Compton Dominguez’s boys’ basketball team is favored to win the Southern Section Division II-AA championship and defend its Division II state championship.

But the Dons have a larger goal in mind--a mythical national title.

Dominguez, ranked No. 2 by USA Today, kept its hopes alive Monday night with a 60-57 victory over No. 6 Lakewood Artesia in the Dream Classic at the Pyramid.

Dominguez forward Keith Brooks scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds to lead Dominguez, which survived a second-half Artesia surge.

“I knew if they left me open, I would have to step up big,” Brooks said.

Brooks got opportunities because Artesia was trying to avoid a repeat of its last meeting with the Dons when Dominguez center Tyson Chandler scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds in a 72-63 victory on Dec. 30. Artesia was ranked No. 1 at the time.

Chandler, a 7-foot junior, had only nine points and five rebounds Monday. But senior guards Steve Moore and Micah McKinney, scored 15 and 12 points, respectively, and combined with Brooks to lift the Dons.

Dominguez (16-2) was not assured of victory until Artesia’s Jack Martinez missed a three-point shot in the final seconds.

“[Dominguez] never gives up and neither do we,” Artesia guard Andre Hazel said. “so it will probably be a similar situation if we play again.”

Hazel was referring to the Southern California regional of the state tournament, which will include the Southern Section division finalists. Artesia (16-2) has competed in Division I the last few years, but is playing in Division II-A this season.

Artesia overcame a 27-20 halftime deficit to take a 42-41 lead after three quarters behind Jon Steffanson’s three three-pointers.

Martinez tied the score, 56-56, with a three-pointer with 1:43 left in the game, but missed a shot with 36 seconds remaining that started a key Dominguez fastbreak.

Brooks rebounded the miss and passed to McKinney, who pushed the ball upcourt to Darius Sanders near the Dominguez basket. Sanders made a tough shot and was fouled by Amaury Fernandez.

Trailing 58-56, Hazel made only one of two free throws with 13 seconds left.

Moore gave Dominguez its final margin by making two free throws with 11.1 seconds remaining.

Dream Classic Notes

Ricky Lewis scored 17 points to lead Greensboro Dudley (N.C.) to an 85-33 victory over La Jolla Bishop’s. . . . Marcel Burke scored 21 points as Chino Hills Ayala defeated Manual Arts, 69-49. . . . Fowzi Abdelsamad scored 14 points for Fairfax in a 69-65 Western League victory over Westchester. . . . Felipe Williams scored 23 points to lead Santa Monica Crossroads to a 57-46 victory over Long Beach Jordan. . . . Crenshaw defeated Upland, 76-61, as Tommy Johnson scored 27 points. . . . Steve Scoggin scored 16 points for Santa Ana Mater Dei in a 72-47 victory over San Diego University. . . . Josh Childress of Lakewood Mayfair scored 20 points in a 52-49 victory over Torrance Bishop Montgomery.