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“This year was mainly for rebuilding due to all the new players we had coming up to varsity. I’m very proud of how far we’ve come with this young group of student-athletes. We all have to continue working hard and putting our all in at practice and games. Especially with playoffs coming up. Keeping high energy, motivating each other, and making good choices on and off the court.” Says Coach Zuffelato.v
After playing 27 teams, the Santa Barbara High School boys varsity basketball team finished first in the Channel League for the third time.
With a rocky start to the season after losing to Sierra Canyon and Oaks Christian, they were able to bounce back beating Liberty High School 80-70.
Junior captain, Levi Oakes says, “I always talk to my teammates and try to motivate them. I see myself as an equal to my team because we are one and we have to work together to be able to win and communicate productively. Practicing and going hard every day is definitely giving us an upper hand going into playoffs this year. It feels really good and exciting because this is my first year in a new school and we’ve already gotten this far. We’re ready to win.”
The Dons basketball team made the playoffs again for their fourth consecutive year. As well as making it to state the previous two years.
Another junior captain, Owen Horn says, “As a captain, I think it’s very important to stay positive for my team and make sure we’re all in the right headspace. Picking everyone up especially if they’re going through something. I don’t feel pressure as a captain to be above or ‘better’ than them. We all have to put enough effort in with this being a team sport. This year, we’ve improved on passing the ball compared to last year. We can probably improve on our turnovers, taking care of the ball, and making sure we have control.”
On Dec. 23, the Dons went against their crosstown rivals, the San Marcos Royals. The Dons took the win a close 59-50. The Dons and Royals rematched on January 16, at the Thunderhut. They lost for the first time in five years 63-52.
The Dons ended their season in round one of California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) with a score of 87-61. The Dons are already practicing for the upcoming season and they’re ready for their comeback. 2025-26 Boys Basketball Season Recap
