Ben Clay, the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports winner for Santa Barbara High, is joined by his mother, Tina.
Santa Barbara High basketball player Ben Clay was named his school’s recipient of the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon.
Clay made huge strides in his game since his sophomore year and earned a spot in the starting lineup for the Dons this season.
“This year, he’s just blossomed,” said SBHS coach David Bregante of the 6-3 center. “He’s not only a great player, he’s a tremendous leader. He’s always positive. As a coach, that’s just fantastic.”
Dave Pintard, the presenter of the award, said Clay was selected from an outstanding group of candidates.
“Santa Barbara has a unique junior class, so Ben was selected among several individuals who were probably as well deserving,” Pintard said. “But Ben just stood out amongst his peers, the athletic administration and those in the principal’s office and the counseling office.”
Said Bregante: “I think this kid was born to receive this award. He’s such a great kid.”
Clay demonstrates maturity on and off the basketball court. That maturity was tested in the Dons’ last game against Righetti.
Clay explained. “A guy threw me to the ground and I look at him and I’m really mad. Then I see my mom in the stands and I think: ‘Should I get up and get really mad at this guy?’ And one thing went through my head: ’She wouldn’t want me to do that.’ So I kept playing the game.”
He had a huge game, scoring 16 points and grabbing 15 rebounds to help the Dons win.
“I’d like to thank his mom,” Bregante said. “What a great job she’s done with this kid. I’ve been coaching over 40 years and for the first time in 40 years — and it’s happened twice this year — I‘ve had referees after the game tell me what a great young man No. 32 is… Ben Clay.”
Clay acknowledged his mom, Tina.
“Thank you, mom, for raising me right; for being a complete gentleman on and off the court. I think that’s helped me a lot in life,” he said.
Clay holds a 3.0 GPA and is a member of the school yearbook committee. Off campus, he also spends time mentoring kids at the Boys & Girls Club.
During the summer, he’ll help out with the frosh-soph basketball leagues for boys and girls at the high school gym.
“We’re always looking around for somebody to help,” Bregante said. “And guess what? Ben’s always there. Whatever we need to do, he’s there to do it. I’m really blessed to coach him.”
The Round Table presents the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award to student-athletes who demonstrate the highest standards of ethics and sportsmanship. Each school selects a junior on an annual basis.
