Hart Runs Out of Gas and Santa Barbara Wins Title

Santa Barbara High outscored Hart, 29-18, in the fourth quarter Saturday night and won the Simi Valley basketball tournament with a 71-61 victory.

Mike Garrett, the tournament’s most valuable player, led the Dons’ rally in the final quarter with eight of his 12 points and three steals. J.J. Purdy scored 16 points for Santa Barbara.

The Indians, trailing by five points at halftime, rallied to take a one-point lead into the fourth quarter. Senior center Cody Patterson led Hart with 24 points, hitting 18 of 21 free throws. Guard Eric Spindt added 17 points.

Santa Barbara converted 17 of 20 free throws in the second half, while Hart made seven of 11. The Dons held on despite playing the last 3:24 without two starters who fouled out.

The Dons led by seven points near the end of the first quarter when Hart went on an 8-0 run.

Simi Valley 79, Taft 36--R.J. Pierson scored 27 points, including six baskets from three-point range, to lead the Pioneers in the third-place game. Simi Valley broke the game open with a 13-0 run at the start of the second quarter.