Amber Melgoza took on the responsibility of being the go-to player for Santa Barbara High and the role proved to be a perfect fit for the sophomore.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Santa Barbara High’s Amber Melgoza
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Melgoza averaged 22.1 points and led the Dons to a historic season. They won their first CIF-Southern Section title, a regional title and advanced to the CIF State Finals for the first time. She averaged 30 points during the team’s magical 9-1 playoff run, scoring 40 points in a quarterfinal game and 38 in the Southern Section final.
Presidio Sports is pleased to recognize Melgoza as the Player of the Year on the All-City Girls Basketball Team.
Melgoza stepped up from her role as a rebounder during freshman year on varsity to becoming the primary scorer for the Dons. She showed that she could score from anywhere on the court. She made 46 percent of her two-point baskets and shot 33 percent on 3-pointers. When the shots weren’t falling, she found a way to get to the free-throw line, where she shot 76 percent.
She also remained a force on the boards, averaging a team-best 7.9 rebounds per game.
Melgoza’s competitive spirit and drive to get better was a big part of the Dons’ success.
It also helped having teammates who were able to get her the ball in positions to score.
Three of her teammates have been named to the All-City Team: Desirea Coleman, Jocelin Petatan and Jada Howard. Rounding out the team are Jordyn Lilly of Bishop Diego and Emi Parker of Dos Pueblos.
Based upon on-court performance and team leadership, each All-City selection will receive a special award certificate and be recognized online at PresidioSports.com and in print in the Santa Barbara Sentinel. The entire All-City Basketball Team will be recognized at the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Press Luncheon at Harry’s Cafe on April 21.
PRESIDIO SPORTS’ ALL-CITY BASKETBALL TEAM
Desirea Coleman, Senior, Santa Barbara: Coleman was converted from a post player to a point guard and shined in the position, especially during the post-season. Her leadership and court savvy were instrumental in the Dons winning so many big games. She averaged 11 points, five assists and 2.7 steals.
Jocelin Petatan, Junior, Santa Barbara: She provided good ball handling, oftentimes leading the fast break. She averaged 7.1 points, 2.8 assists and five rebounds. Petatan also played tough defense.
Jada Howard, Sophomore, Santa Barbara: Howard had an uncanny knack of picking off passes and making steals on the press. She averaged 3.3 steals a game. She also contributed greatly on offense, slipping inside for baskets or knocking down 3-pointers.
Jordyn Lilly, Junior, Bishop Diego: Lilly did it all for the Cardinals, helping them reach the CIF 5AA quarterfinals. She averaged 18.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7 steals. Lilly was dynamite in CIF, scoring 38 points in two of four playoff games while averaging 33 points per game.
Emi Parker, Senior, Dos Pueblos: A solid, aggressive player who did whatever it took to help her team win. Parker was a first-team All-Channel League selection and led Dos Pueblos in scoring.
