Santa Barbara High’s running game left Paso Robles in the dust in the second quarter. The Dons outscored the Bearcats 21-2 en route to a 65-38 girls basketball win in the final of the Righetti Tournament.
Santa Barbara trailed 18-11 before it revved up its relentless attack.
Ivette Gil led the Dons with 20 points, 14 rebounds and five steals. Melissa Lemus added 15 points and seven assists, and freshman Amber Melgoza continued to raise her game. She scored 16 points, on 7 of 9 shooting, and made six steals.
Santa Barbara coach Andrew Butcher said the team was without four players due to vacation commitments, but it received big contributions from underclassmen Micheala Miller, Wendy Hernandez and Debbie Troop. Each played considerable minutes in the victory.
The Dons next action is their Jan. 8 Channel League opener at home against Ventura.
