Roberto Nelson’s stellar high school basketball career came to an end Friday as Santa Barbara was taken down by top-seeded host Eisenhower 75-42 in the second round of the CIF playoffs.
Nelson scored 22 points while Spencer Thomas and John Uribe each chipped in seven. The Eagles nailed 12 3-pointers on the night, pulling away in the final minutes of the first half and never looking back.
“They were really aggressive and had people coming off the bench with a lot of energy,” said Dons coach Chris Hantgin. “There’s a reason why they’re No. 1 in our division.”
The Dons graduate every player his season, including Nelson, who will play for Oregon State next year.
“He really showed a lot of maturity and leadership this year, and he also had the right attitude in trying to have some fun,” said Hantgin. “It’s been a unique journey with this team. For a lot of guys it’s their second or third sport, so I thank them for their dedication and time.”
The Dons finish the season at 13-11.
EISENHOWER 75, SANTA BARBARA 42
SANTA BARBARA — Thomas 7, Uribe 7, Nelson 22, Leonard 4, Lloyd 2. Totals 15 9-11 42.
EISENHOWER — ABock 23, Richardson 2, Varner 8, Carter 11, Garner 6, BBock 16, Eric 2. Totals 22 9-12 75.
Santa Barbara….18 12 4 8 — 42
Eisenhower…….21 20 17 17 — 75
3-point goals — SB 3 (Nelson 2, Uribe), E 12 (ABock 5, BBock 3, Carter 3, Varner 1).
Total fouls — SB 14, Eisenhower 13.
