Dons beat Camarillo for Commotion by the Ocean title

Santa Barbara High’s boys basketball team became the first ever back-to-back champion of Carpinteria’s Commotion by the Ocean summer tournament over the weekend, defeating Camarillo 59-54 in Sunday’s championship.

The Dons defeated cross-town rivals Dos Pueblos and San Marcos on their way to the title.

“This weekend we credit our fight and tenacity to keep pushing,” reported Dons assistant coach Andy Gil. “We were down by 12 to San Marcos in the semis and knuckled down and got consecutive stops when we needed them.”

It’s the first summer tournament title for the Dons after two runner-up finishes.

Gil credited Jack Baker and Bolden Brace for quality tournament performances.

At the tournament were all five Channel League schools as well as every school from the Pacific View League except for Oxnard. Host Carpinteria and Bishop Diego also competed.

Camarillo, which reached the Division 2-AA quarterfinals last season, topped Ventura 52-44 in one semifinal while the Dons came from behind to catch the Royals 61-53.

In the quarterfinals, Santa Barbara edged Dos Pueblos 47-
42. San Marcos defeated Agoura 49-36 to reach the semis. Ventura knocked out Buena 48-46 in another quarterfinal and Camarillo routed Lakewood 59-42.

The host Warriors were led by Bryson Frazer, Omar Miranda and Mason Picerni. Although the the Warriors didn’t make the championship bracket, Carpinteria toppled Lakewood who ended up winning their pool.