Sophomore Luke Zuffelato shot the lights out for the Santa Barbara High boys basketball team, pouring in 40 points in an 87-77 win over Buena in a Channel League opener on Monday at J.R. Richards Gym.
It was a career high for Zuffelato, who has scored 20 or more points in all seven of Santa Barbara’s games.
He scored 21 points in the first half and made 9 of 10 free throws en route to 19 points in the second half.
Sophomore Carter Battle had 19 points, Finn Whipps tallied 10 points and Tobin Shyrock had seven points and dished out 10 assists.
Coach Corey Adam praised the defense of Whipps against Buena’s powerful Zane Carter.
“He played with great toughness on Buena’s bruiser in the post,” said Adam.
Buena led by as many of five in the first half before the Dons pulled ahead by halftime.
They took a 13-point lead in the third period and led by as many as 18 in the fourth.
“Ball movement was really the key for us pulling away in the third quarter,” said Adam. “The guys let the ball find the open man and the right guy was shooting the ball each time. Six different guys scored in a 23-point quarter.”
Santa Barbara (3-4 overall) next plays at the Pacifica Tournament in Oxnard.