Laguna remains unbeaten

Laguna Beach’s boys’ eighth-grade All-Net National Junior

Basketball team returned from its holiday hiatus to hand previously

unbeaten Villa Park its first loss of the season, 36-33.

The victory kept Laguna’s regular season record spotless heading

into Sunday’s game against Laguna Hills.

Tipoff is 6:30 p.m. at Laguna Beach High.

Laguna gained control early against Villa Park, staking its way to

a 22-13 lead in the second quarter.

Villa Park managed a late rally in the quarter and pulled to 26-21

at the half.

Defense dominated second-half play, as Laguna held on for the

victory.

Point guard Ian Butters, who handled a majority of ball-handling

duties, capped his all-around performance with 13 points, which included three three-point baskets and four steals.

Ty Fleming hit a pair of three-point shots and finished with eight

points, Chris Hyden scored six points and had four steals, Patrick

Curren scored three points and, along with Nathan Pickett and Brian

Delino, paced Laguna in rebounding.

The defensive play of Brennan Healy helped to secure the win.