Breakers host Eagles tonight in key clash

With just three games remaining on the Pacific Coast League

schedule, the Laguna Beach High boys’ basketball teams tonight will

play what coach Rob Cullinan calls “the game of the year” for his

Breakers.

Laguna faces a “must-win” situation when it hosts Calvary Chapel

in a 7 p.m. tipoff at Dugger Gym.

“We must have this game if we are going to get a wild-card bid

into the playoffs,” Cullinan said.

The game also affords the Breakers the chance to exact revenge on

the Eagles, who defeated Laguna back on Jan. 22.

The Breakers, who took on Northwood on Wednesday, dropped their

two Pacific Coast League games last week.

In a 94-71 home loss to University, Laguna could not adjust to the

Trojans’ press. Kyle Hogan, however, had a big game for the Breakers.

The senior scored 37 points by hitting 12 of 24 shots from the floor

and going 12 for 15 from the foul line.

In addition, Hogan had 14 rebounds.

Ivan Kovacevic also had big game, with 12 points and eight

rebounds.

Laguna also fell to host Corona del Mar, 63-48.

In that game, Austin Sands hit three of five shots, finished with

nine points and also blocked a shot, which gives him 40 on the

season.

Jake Wheeler hit his first three-point basket of the season for

the Breakers.

“We played lethargic and without a sense of urgency,” Cullinan

said. “We know we need the two wins for the playoffs.”

Despite the two setbacks, several Breakers reached milestones.

Hogan has surpassed the 200-rebound mark and had 235 heading into

Wednesday’s game with Northwood. He was also closing in on the

500-point scoring mark, with 485, and had managed to record 56

assists.

Alex Norfleet leads the team in three-point baskets, with 38.

Peter Renault tops the Breakers in assists with 60. Cullinan said

that Michael Kote and Jeff Clark continue to “make progress and

contribute every game.”

In girls’ basketball, Laguna fell Tuesday to host Northwood, 45-31

-- the same team the Breakers had beaten on Jan. 16 to snap a 52-game

league losing streak.

Senior Lizzy Friedman topped Laguna with 11 points, and her

freshman sister, Emily, scored eight, and Katie Sexton finished with

seven points.

In girls’ water polo, Laguna ripped Northwood, 20-3. Annie Preble

contributed 11 goals, Addison Doud scored three and Katherine Gordon

and Annie Nelson each had a pair of scores.

In girls’ soccer, Laguna fell to Corona del Mar, 5-0, and

Northwood, 4-0.