GBK: Big 2nd quarter propels Dons past Lompoc

Santa Barbara High overcame first-quarter foul troubles by outscoring Lompoc 34-12 in the second quarter en route to a 68-46 girls basketball win in its final game at the Bryan Ayer Classic in Lompoc.

Amber Melgoza, who picked up two fouls in the first quarter, still managed to score 21 points and grab eight rebounds to lead the Dons (3-0).

Jada Howard carried the offensive load in the first half with 17 of her 18 points. She also had six rebounds and four assists. Kimberly Gebhardt played well, scoring nine points.

Santa Barbara coach Andrew Butcher was impressed with Lompoc, who they’ll play again on Wednesday in the Gold Coast Classic.

“They’re athletic,” Butcher said of the Braves. “They go hard to the basket; they do some good stuff. They outscored us in the second half.”

Butcher is pleased with his team’s start. “We’re doing really well. The next tournament will be tougher. That’s how we schedule it.”