Laguna runs win streak to five

Bobby Monroe turned in a solid all-round performance Sunday and

the Laguna Beach eighth-grade All-Net team remained unbeaten on the

2002 National Junior Basketball season by downing host Whittier,

62-54.

Monroe scored 25 points, hauled in 13 rebounds and blocked four

shots as Laguna ran its record to 5-0.

Ian Butters had a big hand in the victory, too, as his outstanding

ball handling and outside shooting allowed the Laguna guard to hit

four, three-point shots en route to an 18-point game.

Whittier ended a see-saw first quarter with a 14-13 advantage but Laguna outscored the host team, 20-6, in the second stanza to take a

33-20 lead at the half.

Monroe, Brian Delano, Nathan Picket and Patrick Curran controlled

the boards and Butters, Chris Hyden and Ty Fleming scored fro the

perimeter to lead Laguna’s second quarter surge.

Whittier managed to pull to within 47-40 by the end of the third

period, but Laguna held steady in the fourth quarter to win by eight.

In addition to Monroe and Butters, Laguna received solid

contributions from its entire squad.

Fleming contributed seven points and had five assists, Picket

scored six points with five rebounds, Delano scored four points and

had five boards, Hyden scored four points, had five assists and five

rebounds, and Curran added two points and two rebounds.

Laguna will try to keep its unbeaten season intact Sunday when

they travel to Century High in Santa Ana for a 3:15 p.m. battle with

Villa Park.