Boys’ basketball: Compton gets its chance to be in the spotlight

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

DeMar DeRozan brought lots of publicity to Compton during his playing days, but now the Tarbabes have the talent and experience to make a Southern Section title run, and Monday’s Fairfax tournament will be an opportunity to see if Compton is ready to take on the big-time programs.

Coach Tony Thomas has many options and players to turn to, but everything starts with rising point guard Kyron Cartwright. When he’s playing well, Compton is very tough to beat.

But there’s also the athletic Isaiah Bailey, a 6-foot-5 senior, and the equally athletic Iziahiah Sweeney, a 6-3 senior.

Compton opens against a dangerous Chino Hills team at 7 p.m. Chino Hills finished third in the Maranatha tournament behind 6-5 Bishop Mency. Missing was standout sophomore point guard Lonzo Ball, whose status with the team is unknown.

Another terrific opening matchup has Corona Centennial playing Crespi at 5:30 p.m. If everyone shows up, it will Centennial junior point guard Sedrick Barefield going against Crespi guard Max Heidegger. Also, El Camino Real faces Harvard-Westlake at 8:30 p.m. and Loyola plays Santa Monica at 4 p.m.

It’s four outstanding games to start a tournament that runs through Saturday.

-- Eric Sondheimer