Dominguez, Brea Olinda Again Make Statements

Brea Olinda High will try to win its third consecutive state girls’ basketball title and the Compton Dominguez boys’ team will try to win its third state crown in four years in championship games tonight at Arco Arena in Sacramento.

Here is a look at finals today (except for the boys’ Division V game, which is previewed on D15):

BOYS’ GAME

* DIVISION II--Compton Dominguez (32-3) vs. Sacramento Grant (34-3), 8:15 p.m.: Ever since guard Marcus Moore transferred from Redondo, guard Steve Moore transferred from Santa Monica and forward Larry Johnson transferred from Irvine University for this season, it has been almost a foregone conclusion that the Dons would win the Division II championship. With the way 7-foot-1 sophomore center Tyson Chandler has elevated his game during the playoffs, there has been no stopping Dominguez.

The Dons won Division II titles in 1996 and ’97 and probably would be going for their fourth consecutive title had Tayshaun Prince, now at Kentucky, not been injured during the Southern Section playoffs last season.

Chandler has been a dominant defensive presence throughout the season and continues to dive for loose balls and hustle with abandon. But it’s the offensive part of his game that was showcased during the regional playoffs.

Power forward Keith Brooks is a physical presence.

Ronald Dosty scored 18 points and had 14 rebounds in Grant’s regional final victory over Chico, and James Pugh made eight of nine shots, but the Pacers have not played a team with as many options as Dominguez.

GIRLS’ GAMES

* DIVISION II--Brea Olinda (31-3) vs. Pleasanton Amador Valley (30-2), 6:15 p.m.: Brea Olinda would be a heavy favorite if the defending champion Ladycats were at full strength. But with junior center Chelsea Trotter out because of a knee injury, Brea Olinda showed its vulnerability--and depth--in a regional final victory over Fresno Edison.

Reserves Jill Trader and Jerri Armendariz combined with guard Lindsey Davidson and other experienced Brea players to help the seven-time state champion Ladycats advance to their eighth state final.

Brea won Division III titles in 1989, ’92 and ’94. It won Division II titles in 1991, ‘93, ’97 and ’98.

Mia Fisher made 11 of 15 shots and finished with 22 points in Amador Valley’s 63-41 regional final victory against Cupertino Homestead. Jaysie Chambers had 15 points and 17 rebounds.

* DIVISION V--Palos Verdes Chadwick (29-5) vs. Los Altos Hills Pinewood (30-1), 2:30 p.m.: Erin Gilliland and Dianne Webber lead Chadwick, which beat Apple Valley, Solano Beach Santa Fe Christian and San Luis Obispo Mission Prep to advance to its first state final.

Gilliland scored 25 points against Santa Fe Christian and had 18 against Mission Prep.

Pinewood is also in its first state final. Guard Lauren Smith-Hams scored 27 points and sophomore Sebnem Kimyacioglu had 17 in Pinewood’s 74-43 regional final victory over Ross Branson.