Three players scored in double figures, and Santa Barbara High clinched its third straight Channel League boys basketball title by beating Ventura, 59-47, Friday night at Tuttle Gym.
The Dons (23-4) improve to 6-1 in league, with one remaining league game against Buena on Thursday. They hold the tiebreaker over Ventura (16-9, 4-2) by sweeping both games against the Cougars.
After leading by two at halftime (21-19) Santa Barbara went on an 11-2 run in the third quarter to open up a 32-23 advantage. Max Henderson sparked the surge with two long 3-pointers. He hit five 3-pointers in the second half. The Dons, who knocked down eight 3s in the second half, extended their lead to 53-32 with four minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
“All of us have confidence in everyone, we all can shoot and we also have good passers,” Henderson told the Ventura County Star. “We’re a good team.”
Bolden Brace led a balanced attack with 17 points, while Nick Busch scored 17 points and Henderson 15. Ben Clay controlled the boards, grabbing 16 rebounds.
The Dons have won their three league titles under coach David Bregante.
