Memories of Historic Achievement

Front row, from left, Scott Roberts, Bill Irving, Stephen Vonasek, Bruce Coldren and Marc Melendez. Back row, from left, Principal Henry Baylor, Dan Melendez, Brent McClurg, Greg Hanson, Coach Don Volpi, Barclay Hope, Tom Henderson and Richard Stein.
Material curated by Mark Looker
Dos Pueblos High School, from Goleta, CA, captured the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) AAA basketball title on March 13,1971, with a 49-40 victory over Bellflower at the LA Sports Arena. It was the first major sports title in the school’s young history. DP would next win a CIF AAA title on Feb. 28, 1990 with a 39-38 overtime thriller over Corona del Mar at UC Irvine’s Bren Center.

As one of the student managers, along with Paul Yarbrough, in addition to being the sports editor of the school newspaper “The Charger Account,” I had a unique perspective from which to view this championship team.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the championship win over Bellflower at the L.A. Sports Arena, I am re-posting a collection of players’ memories that I first posted 20 years ago, long before the days of Facebook and Twitter. Their recollections give some insight into the team chemistry that produced a memorable basketball season. I am seeking memories from those who did not share them 20 years ago and will post any new stories I receive.
Championship Game Scorecard courtesy of Mark Riley

See Santa Barbara News Press 30 year anniversary article April 4, 2001
See Santa Barbara News Press Ten Year Anniversary Article March 13, 1981
News coverage of 1971 title game victory
CIF Southern Section Bulletin April 1971
The players:
- Richard Stein, forward, 6-3
- Bruce Coldren, center, 6-7
- Barclay Hope, guard, 6-0
- Tom Henderson, guard, 6-0
- Scott Roberts, forward, 6-3
- Dan Melendez, guard, 6-0
- Marc Melendez, forward, 6-2
- Bill Irving, forward, 6-1 1/2
- Stephen Vonasek, forward, 6-2 1/2
- Greg Hanson, guard, 6-0
- Brent McClurg, guard, 5-10
Coach:
Student Managers:
- Mark Looker
- Paul Yarbrough
The Wins and Losses Overall 27-2:
Pre-Season
Beat Royal 82-51
Beat Simi Valley 79-60
Beat Newbury Park 84-37
Beat Hueneme 78-36
Beat Santa Barbara 70-47 click here for photos
Beat Bishop Garcia 74-44
Burbank-Hoover Tourney
Beat Alhambra 70-47
Lost to Crescenta 70-46
Beat Camarillo 71-54
League
Beat Cabrillo 53-44 and 87-62
Beat Arroyo Grande 64-42 and 47-44
Beat Righetti 88-51 and 68-58
Beat Lompoc 74-57 and 90-56
Beat San Luis Obispo 77-43 and 54-43
Beat Santa Maria 75-55 and lost 69-59
Beat San Marcos 53-44 and 58-35
Play-Offs
Beat Newbury Park 64-54
Beat Lausen 69-57
Beat Katella 64-50 (the TV Game)
Championship Game
Beat Bellflower 49-40
Sovine Gym, Home of the Chargers
