YOUR AD HERE »

No. 3 ranking to Classic

Steve Yingling

College basketball fans can switch off ESPN and ESPN2 Thursday through Saturday because some of the country’s top collegiate prospects will appear in the 24th annual Viking Rotary Classic at South Tahoe High.

Dominguez, one of eight Viking Classic entrants, was ranked third in the nation by Street & Smith Magazine in October. Dominguez, which posted a 29-5 record in 1996-97 en route to its second straight California Division II title, has at least eight NCAA Division I prospects, according to Dave Krider. Krider has compiled the USA Today Super 25 high school basketball poll since 1982.

Topping the diaper dandies is Tayshaun Prince, a 6-foot-8 two guard, who has already signed with Kentucky. Prince averaged 20.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3 blocks per game last year.



“He’s big time. He has tremendous shooting range. Tayshaun shoots from 30 feet very easily,” Krider said.

But Dominguez isn’t frogish when Prince isn’t on his game. His supporting cast includes three players who averaged in double figures a year ago.



Other Dominguez players to watch include two-sport standout Jason Thomas, a 6-5, 220-pound senior (20.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.1 steals); Keith Brooks, a 6-5, 230-pound sophomore (10.7 points); Keith Kincade, a 6-4 junior (8.2 points); Mike Carson, a 6-5 senior (9.7 points); and Walter Small, a 6-5 senior (12.6 points).

“In other words, they’re loaded,” Krider said.

Reinforcements are on the way as 6-11 Tyson Chandler and 5-10 point guard Keilon Fortune figure to get substantial playing time as freshmen.

“Fortune is one of the top-rated freshmen in the country, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start at the point,” Krider said.

Thomas, one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the country, was injured midway through football season and may not make the trip. His status depends on Dominguez’ longevity in the gridiron playoffs.

“They are very experienced and just need to move in a point guard. Some of their kids have been starting for two years,” Krider said.

Unfortunately, Krider can’t reveal where he ranked the Dons in his preseason poll. His first poll is expected to appear in the USA Today on Thursday.

“They are a top 5 team, without a doubt,” he divulged.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.