5 Reasons Why Santa Barbara High School Basketball Is A Must-Watch In The 2025-2026 Season
The Santa Barbara High School (SBHS) basketball program is once again dominating headlines in the CIF-Southern Section, with the boys' varsity team launching a high-stakes campaign for the 2025-2026 season. As of today, December 21, 2025, the Dons are deep into their pre-league schedule, taking on some of the toughest competition in California to prepare for a run at the Channel League title and a deep push into the CIF-SS playoffs. The excitement is palpable as a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers look to build on the program's rich, championship-winning history.
The 2025-2026 season promises to be a pivotal year for both the boys' and girls' programs, marked by intense crosstown rivalries, elite tournament play, and the emergence of a bona fide scoring sensation. The Dons are not just playing games; they are continuing a legacy that stretches back decades, solidifying their reputation as a perennial Southern California basketball powerhouse.
The 2025-2026 Dons Roster and Coaching Staff: Key Entities
The Santa Barbara Dons boast a deep and talented roster for the 2025-2026 season, featuring a blend of experience and youth that has proven challenging for early-season opponents. The program’s success is a testament to the dedication of its players and the long-standing stability of its coaching staff.
Boys’ Varsity Team Key Players and Staff
- Luke Zuffelato (Senior, Guard): The undisputed leader and primary scoring threat, Zuffelato is currently averaging a sensational 24.9 points per game (PPG) in the early 2025-2026 season, making him one of the Channel League's most electrifying players. His performance in a recent season earned him the prestigious Channel League MVP award.
- Davis Mahan (Senior): A crucial senior presence providing leadership and stability.
- Diesel Lowe (Senior): Another senior anchor expected to contribute significantly on both ends of the floor.
- Cayleb Miller (Junior, Center/Power Forward): At 6'7", Miller provides vital size and interior defense, a key entity for the Dons' frontcourt.
- Brent Sharpton (Freshman): A promising newcomer who represents the future of the program.
- Head Coach Greg Zuffelato: A highly respected figure who earned Channel League Coach of the Year honors in a recent season, continuing the program's tradition of excellence.
Girls’ Varsity Team and Program History
- Historical Star: Amber Melgoza: The girls' program has a rich history, including a remarkable run led by Amber Melgoza, where the Dons won a share of the Channel League title and captured the Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions.
- Coaching Stability: The program benefits from a long-standing tradition, with Coach Hantgin coaching in Santa Barbara since 1994.
The Early Season Gauntlet: Facing CIF-SS Powerhouses
The Santa Barbara Dons boys' team is known for scheduling a challenging pre-league gauntlet to prepare them for the rigors of Channel League play and the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. The 2025-2026 season is no exception, with the team facing several top-tier California programs.
The early schedule saw the Dons test their mettle against nationally recognized programs, providing invaluable experience for the squad. Key early-season results include a tough 66-82 loss to San Tan Charter, a challenging 43-82 defeat against the perennial powerhouse Sierra Canyon, and a 67-76 loss to Oaks Christian. While these losses are learning opportunities, the team showed its potential with a decisive 80-70 victory over Liberty, demonstrating their ability to score with high-caliber opponents.
This commitment to playing elite competition—even when resulting in early losses—is a strategic move by Coach Zuffelato to elevate the team's mental toughness and exposure. It ensures that when the Dons enter Channel League play, they are battle-tested and prepared for any defensive scheme or offensive onslaught. The focus is not just on wins, but on building a team capable of a deep run in the CIF-Southern Section tournament.
The Crosstown Clash: Santa Barbara vs. San Marcos Rivalry
No discussion of Santa Barbara High School basketball is complete without mentioning the electrifying crosstown rivalry against the San Marcos Royals. This annual matchup is often referred to as "The Big Game" and consistently draws sell-out crowds, embodying the spirit of local high school sports.
The rivalry contest is a crucial entity in the Channel League schedule, frequently having significant implications for the league standings. The Dons recently secured a vital victory over their crosstown rivals on Thursday, December 18, 2025, pulling away in the fourth quarter for a decisive 59-50 win. This victory not only provides bragging rights but also solidifies Santa Barbara’s position as a top contender in the Channel League early in the season. The Dons have recently dominated the matchup, including a 73-37 romp over San Marcos to clinch a previous Channel League title, showcasing their seniority and program depth.
The intensity of the Santa Barbara vs. San Marcos game is a major draw for fans and a pivotal moment for the players, serving as a microcosm of the entire season's hard work and dedication. These games are a highlight of the local sports calendar, creating a vibrant atmosphere that few other high school events can match.
A Legacy of Greatness: Notable Dons Alumni and Program History
The Santa Barbara High School basketball program is steeped in a rich tradition that extends far beyond the current roster, giving it a powerful topical authority in California high school sports. The legacy is marked by numerous championship runs and a list of alumni who have gone on to achieve national recognition.
The most famous alum is undoubtedly Jamaal Wilkes (formerly Keith Wilkes), a four-time NBA champion and a key entity on the UCLA national championship teams. His name is synonymous with the Dons' basketball excellence. Other notable alumni who have made their mark in professional basketball include Don Ford and Victor Bartolome. High-scoring players like Robert Del Campo (1955) are also part of the storied history, cementing the Dons’ place in the Santa Barbara Sports Roundtable Hall of Fame.
The girls' program also boasts a history of success, having previously won the prestigious Nike Tournament of Champions, which was inaugurated in Santa Barbara in 1997. This history of winning, from CIF championships to league titles, provides the current players with a high standard to uphold and fuels the community's passion for the Dons.
The Road Ahead: Channel League and CIF-SS Playoff Aspirations
With the pre-league schedule winding down, the focus now shifts entirely to the competitive Channel League. The Dons are aiming to capture the league title, a feat they have achieved with remarkable consistency in recent years, including a dominant 13-1 league record in a recent championship season.
The path to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs will be challenging, likely placing the Dons in the demanding CIF-SS Division 1 bracket. The team’s prior "magical season" ended in the second round of the CIF D1 State Tournament against Sierra Canyon, a valuable experience that the current senior class, led by Luke Zuffelato, will draw upon. The goal is not just to qualify, but to make a deep run, potentially reaching the CIF-SS Finals and earning a spot in the State Tournament.
Key entities that will determine their success include the continued high-scoring output from Zuffelato, the defensive presence of Cayleb Miller, and the team's ability to navigate the intense rivalry games. Fans are encouraged to follow the Channel League standings closely as the Dons battle for the top spot and prepare for the high-stakes environment of the CIF-SS playoffs, where every possession matters in the quest for a championship banner.
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