Chandler Out for Dominguez

Compton Dominguez High today will try to take a big step toward winning its third consecutive Division II state title when the Dons play Redondo Union in a Southern California regional final at the Forum.

Dominguez, however, will try to do that without Tyson Chandler, the Dons’ 7-foot-1 center, who injured his ankle in a semifinal victory over Inglewood Thursday night.

Dominguez Coach Steve Singleton said Chandler suffered a severe sprain.

“We’re looking at him not being available to play [today],” Singleton said.

Chandler, a potential lottery pick in the NBA draft, fell after trying to grab a rebound against Inglewood with about seven minutes left. He was attended to by paramedics but walked off the court and was taken to the hospital for X-rays.

“If Tyson doesn’t play, obviously, that definitely works in our favor,” Redondo Union Coach Jim Nielsen said after his team’s 68-63 semifinal victory over Lakewood Mayfair Thursday.

Singleton said it was too early to tell whether Chandler will be available for next Friday’s state championship game, should the Dons defeat Redondo Union.

“We’ll just have to wait and see how he feels,” Singleton said. “It all depends on how he responds to therapy.”

Boys’ and girls’ regional finals in divisions I, II and IV will be played today at the Forum. Finals in divisions III and V are at the Pyramid.

Winners advance to state title games against Northern California regional titlists next Friday and Saturday at Arco Arena in Sacramento.

Dominguez (29-4) plays Redondo Union (28-4) at 4 p.m.

The Division I final between Fresno Clovis West (31-2) and Santa Ana Mater Dei (31-2) at 8 p.m. is a rematch of last year’s regional final. Clovis West beat the Monarchs, 71-64, but lost to Concord De La Salle in the state championship game, 47-46.

The Division I girls’ final pits defending state champion Harbor City Narbonne (26-3) against Lynwood (28-2).

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* COMPLETE SCHEDULE, D12