Centennial’s Inspiring Journey: From 1-23 to a 12-12 Season
Compton Centennial Basketball Program Sees Remarkable Turnaround Under New Coach DeAndre Cole
DeAndre Cole has taken on a formidable challenge as the new boys’ basketball coach at Compton Centennial. Last season, the team recorded a dismal 1-23, marking seven consecutive losing seasons since they finished 13-13 in 2017-2018.
“The expectation was to bring the winning culture, to bring some excitement,” said the 44-year-old Cole, who is determined to revive the program’s legacy.
In an impressive turnaround, Centennial finished its regular season with a .500 record of 12-12, making it one of Southern California’s notable success stories this year. This achievement also qualifies the team for a Southern Section at-large playoff berth.
Historically, Compton Centennial has been a force in high school basketball, previously competing at the highest levels with notable alumni like Arron Afflalo, who went on to excel at UCLA and in the NBA. The team clinched the state Division III championship in 2004 but struggled this season, going 1-6 in the Ocean League, where Inglewood and standout Jason Crowe Jr. claimed the league title.
Before taking on this role, Cole served as an assistant coach at Washington Prep and Manual Arts, and he was poised to head the Morningside program before its closure last year. A Crenshaw High School graduate, Cole reflected on his own journey, recalling how he was removed from the basketball team by the legendary coach Willie West. “It takes hard work and being dedicated to buy into the program, and no player is bigger than the program,” he stated.
Despite facing challenges, including a roster limited to only six players for much of the season, Cole has built a junior varsity team, providing a pipeline for future talent. The squad’s standout players include guards Jaden McDonald, a transfer from Detroit, and Edward Johnson, who was previously home-schooled.
Five of the six active players have a football background, including quarterback Joshua Crathers. Reflecting on last year’s solitary victory, Crathers said, “Don’t give up. When you lose, you get better.”
The season also brought unexpected hurdles, such as a game against St. Bonaventure where Cole was forced to recruit a friend of a player to fill the roster after losing a teammate. The student, notably out of shape, required a water break shortly into his debut but helped the team clinch a 63-58 win.
With the limited roster, McDonald emphasized the importance of conditioning: “I feel everything that comes to us is deserving, but we have to work hard.”
As the program looks to the future, the Compton area remains rich with athletic talent. Notable players like DeMar DeRozan and Tyson Chandler hail from the community, underscoring the potential for local talent development.
Considering its challenging past, a 12-12 finish is a significant achievement for Centennial’s players, parents, and supporters alike. With the school entering a period of rebuilding—including plans for a new gym—the potential for continued growth seems promising. As Cole leads the team forward, all eyes will be on how far this revitalized program can go.
