Santa Barbara’s seniors rose to the occasion and made their last high school golf tournament one to remember.
The Dons, behind the stellar play of seniors Jack Perry and Shane Lebow, shot a 2-under par 358 to win the CGA/CIF State Boys Golf Championship on Tuesday at the Santa Maria Country Club.
Perry birdied three of the last four holes and tied teammate Lebow at 4-under par 68, helping Santa Barbara to the school’s first state title in any sport.
Perry and Lebow shared the top spot on the individual leader board with Servite’s Patrick Cantlay, who made six birdies in his round.
Cantlay won the playoff for the individual title. He and Perry parred the first playoff hole while Lebow bogeyed. Cantlay birdied the next hole to eliminate Perry.
It wasn’t just Perry and Lebow that made the difference for the Dons. They got solid performances from fellow seniors Ray Gerow and John Baur. They played steady all morning and shot even-par 72 and 1-over 73, respectively. Sophomore Sean Searls added the fifth score with a 77, while sophomore Mickey Kirby shot an 86.
The Dons, state runners-up in 2008, were by far the best team of the morning three-team group, which included Sacramento-Christian Brothers and Folsom.
The second group consisted of CIF-Southern Section champ Servite, SCGA-CIF Southern Regional champion Torrey Pines and NCGA-CIF Northern Regional winner Pleasanton-Foothill.
But those teams couldn’t match the balance of Santa Barbara and they had to deal with the wind that picked up after noon. Servite was close early but the Friars faded as the Dons waited nervously at the clubhouse.
Servite shot 363, Torrey Pines 372, Christian Brothers 380, Foothill 385 and Folsom 391.
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Congrats to the all the guys! This is the first State Title for SBHS ever. Thanks for the great season!
What a great win, hard work for all the SBHS boys and their coach. They must have all been nervous until the final hole as Servite, who gave SBHS a good run. Servite played great as well. SBSH first State win in any sport is a real accomplishment to the coaching staff.
Way to go Dons. What a way to finish off a great sports year for SBHS. James Bedard and all the players should be very proud of their accomplishment. Great Job!
The Dons are AWESOME!!! way to go Jack Perry! Northwestern Wildcats are lucky to have you on their team next year! What a way to close out your senior year! With love, your Hoosier fans :>
Way to go Dons! You were consistent and dilligent throughout the season. Earning the school's first state title in any sport is a huge accomplishment! Good luck to Jack, Shane, John, and Ray as they transition on to the next phase of their academic and golf careers!
Way to go Dons! You were consistent and dilligent throughout the season. Earning the school's first state title in any sport is a huge accomplishment! Good luck to Jack, Shane, John, and Ray as they transition on to the next phase of their academic and golf careers!