Last year, it was Dos Pueblos that upset powerhouse Pinole Valley in the Bryan Ayer Classic.
Not to be outdone, Santa Barbara High became the Spartan-spoilers this year, toppling Pinole Valley 55-52 to take the tournament title.
“They hammered us last year, but we got everyone back and we’re pretty happy,” said Dons coach Andrew Butcher. The Dons won the title outright thanks to DP’s win over Lompoc later in the day.
Rebecca Griffin scored 21 points and averaged 23 in the tourney, earning all-tournament recognition. Brandi Blackwell, the team’s center last year, added nine points and ran the offense at point guard for awhile.
“She did a great job going to the hole and scoring a couple of big baskets,” said Butcher of Blackwell, who scored seven points in the fourth quarter and snatched eight rebounds in the game.
The Dons didn’t have an answer for Spartan post player DeNesha Stallworth, who scored 28 points, but not to many teams do. That’s why the junior is already committed to play for Cal.
Looking at the stat sheet, Butcher noticed that the Dons only managed to pull down two offensive rebounds in the second half. Then he realized it was because the Dons only missed two shots in the last two quarters, going 13-for-15.
“It’s fun. They’re working hard and we’ve got a lot of experienced players back,” said Butcher, who also said that Geena Boscacci had a very solid tournament.
SANTA BARBARA 55, PINOLE VALLEY 52
Santa Barbara….17 6 8 24 — 55
Pinole Valley…….7 16 15 14 — 52
SB—Calderon 5, Griffin 21, Gilmour 4, Emerson 6, Blackwell 9, Pereyra 5, Kerns 3, Boscacci 2. Totals 22 8-17 55.
PV—Shula 6, Stallworth 28, Brantley 15, Wyatt 3. Totals 21 8-11 52.
3-point goals—SB 3 (Griffin 2, Calderon 1), PV 2 (Brantley).
Total Fouls—SB 9, PV 16.
Team records—SB 3-0, PV 3-1.
