Santa Barbara High loses on a controversial call. Officials called a loose ball foul on Bryce Warrecker at the end of the 2nd OT and the score tied at 58. Hesperia made 1 of 2 FTs to win the game, 59-58. pic.twitter.com/kl5AFxkYNw
— NoozhawkSports (@NoozhawkSports) February 15, 2020
A controversial call in the final seconds of the second overtime period went against Santa Barbara High’s boys basketball team, and the Dons lost 59-58 at Hesperia in a CIF-SS 2A Division second round game on Friday night.
Hesperia made 1 of 2 free throws with no time left to win the game.
Santa Barbara had the ball out with 1.8 seconds left in the second overtime and the score tied at 58. The Dons set a pick at midcourt to free Bryce Warrecker, and Vance Baldwin threw a long pass for the 6-foot-8 center. A Hesperia defender collided with Warrecker as the two players went for the ball. A stumbling Warrecker got to the ball but was unable to put up a good shot from his knees. There was a foul called on the play, however.
Then chaos ensued.
As Warrecker prepared to shoot free throws, the officials huddled and ruled that the Santa Barbara senior committed a loose ball foul on the long pass. That put Hesperia on the line for the winning free throw.
Santa Barbara coach Corey Adam argued with the officials, but the call stood.
“We lost a great high school basketball game tonight in two overtimes on a questionable call at best,” said a disappointed Adam. “For the officials not to let the kids decide the game in a third overtime is shameful. Multiple Hesperia fans and coaches apologized later.”
Warrecker had another outstanding game, scoring 28 points. Jackson Gonzales added 10 points for the Dons.
“I could not be more proud of my guys,” Adam said. “Throughout the game they represented themselves and Santa Barbara High with great character and tenacity. This was shown as we walked out of the locker room together for the last time. The remaining Hesperia crowd to their credit gave my guys a standing ovation — a class act school.”
Tony Singleton scored 33 points to lead Hesperia, which faces Lynwood in the quarterfinals.
Santa Barbara finishes the year at 19-9.