Santa Clara Streaks Roll Along Behind Tarver

So far he’s been a near fail-safe insurance policy against defeat. The Santa Clara High basketball team is in good hands with all-state guard Shon Tarver.

Since Tarver transferred from Rim of the World High before last season, the Saints have lost only once on the court. The Southern Section slapped Santa Clara with two forfeitures last year, but Tarver couldn’t prevent those; he’s never claimed to be an administrator of anything but sound roundball.

It’s a sound heard ‘round the nation. Tarver, the state Division IV Player of the Year last season after leading Santa Clara to the state championship, is recognized as one of the best high school players in the country as is being recruited as such.

Meanwhile, Santa Clara is 12-0 this season and opened Frontier League play with victories over Nordhoff on Friday and Agoura on Tuesday. Tarver, who averages 30 points a game, scored 25 in Santa Clara’s 71-47 victory over Nordhoff. The 6-foot-5 swingman added 33 in the 68-65 win over a scrappy Agoura team.

Santa Clara has 29 consecutive victories--one shy of the county record set by Ventura High in 1948-49. The Saints visit Santa Ynez on Friday night in search of a share of the record.

A victory would also be the team’s 45th in a row in league play.

With Tarver, it’s ensured.