Dons take Cage Classic

DENNIS BATEMAN, NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

December 22, 2006 7:36 AM

Santa Barbara got 23 points from Alex Armstrong and 22 from Roberto Nelson as they overcame host Carptineria to win the 39th Jim Bashore Holiday Cage Classic boys basketball tournament Wednesday night. In other action earlier in the day, San Marcos fell in double overtime to St. Margaret's 74-69, and Cabrillo overwhelmed West Ranch 73-49.

Nelson was named tournament MVP while Armstrong was also named to the all-tournament team. The Warriors' Jacob Ranger was also named all-tournament, as was teammate Marshall Thompson. Other county honorees included Skylar Slayman of San Marcos and C.J. Simmons of Cabrillo.

SANTA BARBARA 68,

CARPINTERIA 61

The Dons outlasted the host Warriors in a high-scoring championship clash. The victory was the second in as many years for head coach Chris Hantgin, who won in 2005 with San Marcos.

"It was a back-and-forth game, and we were in a dogfight," Hantgin said. "They did a great job against us."

Santa Barbara raced out to an 18-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Warriors were in no mood to go quietly. Behind a 33-point effort from Jacob Ranger, Carpinteria closed the gap in the remaining three quarters. Although Carpinteria tied the game twice in the second half, the Dons held off its comeback just enough thanks to big days out of Alex Armstrong and Roberto Nelson. Armstrong, who Hantgin said played the entire game, had 23 points, including a spectacular six three-point goals. Nelson, who was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, had 22 points and was 8-of-11 from the free throw line.

"We started the game real fast, but we had to slow down and give our offense a chance to get running," said Nelson. "But they (Carpinteria) did a real good job against us, and Ranger played awesome for them."

Warriors head coach John Ward said he was proud of his team's effort, and praised Ranger's play despite being the focus of Santa Barbara's defense.

"Our kids played hard," said Ward, whose team finished as runners-up in the Cage Classic for the third year in a row. "We just didn't execute as well as they did, especially late in the game."

Both teams will be in action at the Santa Barbara Holiday Classic beginning next Tuesday.

ST. MARGARET'S 74,

SAN MARCOS 69 (2OT)

Despite double-double performances from Jeff Menzel and Nick Silva, San Marcos fell to St. Margaret's in double overtime in the third place game. Coming off an emotional loss to Santa Barbara in the previous night's semifinal, the Royals seemed less prepared for a spirited showing by the Tartans. Head coach Jarrod Bradley was the first to blame himself.

"I take responsibility for not having them better prepared for this game," Bradley said. "But St. Margaret's played a great game, and their No. 10 made some great plays."

That No. 10 for St. Margaret's was Corey Fava, who cemented his selection to the all-tournament squad by scoring 30 points and was effective against San Marcos from every part of the court. Teammate Tyler Stowers contributed 20 points, including three three-pointers as the Tartans rallied from a 47-41 deficit at the beginning of the fourth quarter, as Fava's jump shot basket with five seconds left tied the score at 55-55. Both teams scored six points in the first overtime, but the Tartans seized the momentum with 13 points in the second extra period.

Menzel led the Royals with 23 points and had 10 rebounds, while Nick Silva added 19 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. All-tournament selection Skylar Slayman scored 13 points. The Royals will play in the Santa Barbara Holiday Classic beginning Tuesday.

CABRILLO 73,

WEST RANCH 49

The Conquistadores held a 38-29 lead at halftime, then shut down the Wildcats in the second half. Jason West and all-tournament selectee C.J. Simmons each had 15 points, with West scoring three three-pointers. Teammates Paul Carter (14), Wesley Hain (10), and Kenny Taylor (10) all scored in double digits for Cabrillo. West Ranch was led by Garry Bradley's 12 points.

CHANNEL ISLANDS 67,

MARANATHA 59

All-tournament selection Jordan Harris' 18 points helped lead the Raiders over the Minutemen.

CESAR CHAVEZ 67,

KILPATRICK 66

The Titans edged the Mustangs, and were led by Kevin Williams' 16 points.

39TH ANNUAL JIM BASHORE

HOLIDAY CAGE CLASSIC

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Most Valuable Player -- Roberto Nelson, Santa Barbara

All-tournament selections -- Alex Armstrong (Santa Barbara), Corey Fava (St. Margaret's), Jordan Harris (Channel Islands), Jacob Ranger (Carpinteria), C.J. Simmons (Cabrillo), Skylar Slayman (San Marcos), Marshall Thompson (Carpinteria).

e-mail: [email protected]