A highly anticipated Moore League opener between Compton and Millikan proved that CPT might be the top challenger to Long Beach Poly’s throne this year. The Tarbabes used a balanced attack with point guard Reggie Trimble and big man Jabari Steward to keep the Rams on their heels in a 68-56 victory.
Steward is a rare true big man in the Moore League and he was a beast on Wednesday, with 22 points and 15 rebounds in the win.
“I know I need to come out and produce,” he said after the game. “This is my junior year I’m trying to go crazy.”
It was Trimble that Millikan was hoping to limit, but the Rams couldn’t keep the speedy guard out of the paint. That meant 15 points from Trimble, but also numerous second-chance opportunities for Steward and the rest of the Compton team, which pulled down 15 offensive rebounds in the first half alone.
“If we could’ve kept 11 out of the lane a little bit more, they’re an easier offense to deal with,” said first-year Millikan coach Nate Berger.
Compton coach Tony Thomas’ squad fell behind 20-11 in the first quarter but Compton quickly woke up, taking a 30-29 lead at halftime and pulling away in the third quarter after trailing 40-39. Compton closed the quarter on a 9-2 run and never looked back.
“We didn’t come out ready,” said Thomas. “They played harder than us–we have to be consistent with it.”
Compton was led by Steward and Trimble, who combined for 37 of their 68 points. Millikan was led by Myles Carmon, who had 15 points.
Compton (8-4, 1-0) hosts Wilson on Monday while Millikan (5-5, 0-1) travels to Jordan on Monday.
