Santa Barbara's Ivette Gil pulls up and hits a jump shot for two of her 23 points. (Vince Agapito Photo)
Ivette Gil, with 23 points, said goodbye to Santa Barbara’s losing streak on Wednesday as she helped Santa Barbara High win 59-56 against St. Joseph in a Gold Division game at the Tournament of Champions on Thursday.
Gil is the leading scorer for the Dons this season and tonight was no different as she scored the last ten points for her team in the fourth quarter.
Three lay-ups by Gil put the Dons ahead 54-50. Gil then stole the ball and made another basket with 38.5 seconds left in the fourth making it 56-55. With the seconds ticking down she was fouled and confidently made both free throws to ensure the win.
“We talked a lot about toughness after yesterday’s game; this game we were much more tougher emotionally,” said coach Andrew Butcher.
The last time Santa Barbara played St. Joseph, SB won with a larger margin by getting St. Joseph’s top players – Kaitlyn Flowers and Tatiana Dunlap – in foul trouble.
Guard Melissa Lemus of Santa Barbara gets around a St. Joesph defender on her way to the basket.
This time around they were in the game longer allowing for a closer game.
“They had 33 in the game the whole time, last time she only played four-to-five minutes,” said coach Butcher.
After Gil’s 23, Melissa Lemus had 11 points and Sylvia Hoover had 11.
Flowers led St. Joseph with 23 points and Dunlap added 11.
