The good news is that coach Chris Hantgin said that his Santa Barbara High boys basketball players were in “pretty good spirits” after closing a tough season with a 63-44 loss at Buena on Thursday.
“As painful as a 1-25 record is, it was enjoyable to work with them in practice and enjoyable to see them every day. They’re a good group,” said Hantgin.
On top of the 1-25 season, the Dons went 0-8 in a tough Channel League. They trailed just 20-16 after the first quarter against the Bulldogs, but the hosts ended up going 8-for-9 from long range in the first half.
Daniel Marshall led the Dons once again with 15 points, and Andrew Adams chipped in 12.
“I thought we competed pretty well. I was pleased with Marshall and Adams. They’ve been real solid since the second round of league began,” said Hantgin.
Santa Barbara graduates six players but returns seven which will provide next year’s core.
BUENA 63, SANTA BARBARA 44
SANTA BARBARA — Mikles 2, Aronson 3, Madrigal 2, Anderson 5, Marshall 15, Adams 12, Martinez 5. Totals 15 10-17 44.
BUENA — Israelyan 5, Raines 2, Poe 10, Boys 3, Shrubb 5, McGuire 11, Munoz 1, Smith 8, Berg 7, Torres 2, Turner 9. Totals 25 6-10 63.
Santa Barbara…16 5 8 15 — 44
Buena…20 16 11 16 — 63
3-point goals — SB 4 (Marshall 3, Adams 1), B 9 (Turner 2, McGuire 2, Poe 2, Shrubb 1, Boys 1, Israelyan 1). Total fouls — SB 10, B 15. Fouled out — Reyes.
