If there’s a common theme to Santa Barbara’s 6-1 start and Saturday’s 53-41 victory over West Ranch, it’s a strong fourth quarter.
The Dons girls basketball team did it again, outscoring West Ranch 20-9 in the final period to finish fifth place in the Gold Coast Tournament.
Rebecca Griffin, who was named to the all-tournament team, scored 28 points and knocked down four of her seven 3-point baskets in the fourth quarter.
Brandi Blackwell also added a boost, dishing out five second-half assists.
“We play a lot of players so I think we have a lot of energy (at the end),” suggested Dons head coach Andrew Butcher, who – with a rotation of up to 11 players – is appreciating his team’s depth this season.
“It’s a luxury to have.”
Butcher said his best defensive player of the tournament was junior forward Siondra Pereyra.
The Dons squeeze a game in against Camarillo before the Tournament of Champion begins on Friday.
SANTA BARBARA 53, WEST RANCH 41
Santa Barbara – Blackwell 2, Griffin 28, Lavender 7, Emerson 4, Pereya 4, Kerns 2, Boscaci 6, 18 -10-16, 53
West Ranch – Marconi 2, Taver 8 Wilson , Ruiz 13, Walker 4, Zeveala 2. Kahilleh 4, Anima 2, 16 7-10, 41
Santa Barbara 6 16 11 20 – 53
West Ranch 7 11 14 9 – 41
3-pt SB 7 (griffin 7) WR 2 (Tarver, Ruiz). Total Fouls – SB 11, WR 13.
