BBK: Baker, Tapia lead Dons into Simi tourney final

Jack Baker was a force at both ends of the court and Isaiah Tapia was a dead-eye on 3-pointers, leading Santa Barbara High’s boys basketball team to a 72-51 win over Simi Valley in a battle of unbeaten teams at the Simi Valley Tournament on Friday.

With the win, the Dons advance to the championship game, where it will play powerful Sierra Canyon at 6 p.m.

Baker scored 17 points, grabbed 20 rebounds, blocked five shots and had two thunderous dunks against Simi Valley. Tapia nailed six 3-point baskets and led the team in scoring with 19 points Bolden Brace knocked down three treys for nine points.

The Dons jumped on Simi Valley in the first quarter and led 17-7. They expanded the lead to 37-20 by halftime.

Their opponent in the final, Sierra Canyon, features two of the top freshman big men in the country in 6-7 Ira Lee and Cody Riley. The team also has one of the nation’s top sophomores in Devearl Ramsey. He played on Team USA 16-Under team. Sierra Canyon is ranked 19th in southern California.