Kovacevic, Martin share team MVP award

Mike Sciacca

Junior forward Ivan Kovacevic and freshman guard Cheyne Martin, the

top scorers for the Laguna Beach High boys’ basketball season during

the 2003-04 season, shared the team’s MVP award.

The two were among five players to receive awards at the annual

team banquet.

Kovacevic was Laguna’s second-leading scorer with a 15.8 per game

average. He had 12 games where he recorded a double-double in scoring

and rebounding.

Martin, meanwhile, led the team in scoring with a 16.6 per game

average.

In addition, Martin led Laguna statistically in five categories:

scoring average, free throw percentage (81%), three-point field goal

percentage (41%), three-point shots made (37) and steals (57).

Fittingly, the freshman also received the Rookie of the Year

award, given to a first-year varsity player who makes the most

impact, Coach Mark Hill said.

“That was a no-brainer,” Hill said of making Martin his choice for

the rookie award. “It’s a big jump to play at the varsity level, no

matter where you come from, and Cheyne did it as a freshman.

“Both Cheyne and Ivan had outstanding seasons. They both keyed our

success this year.”

Senior forward Austin Sands was named the team’s most improved

player.

Sands was the team’s third-leading scorer with a 6.6 average and

second in rebounding at 7.4.

One of his outstanding outings came late in the season, where he

scored 19 points to go along with 20 rebounds and five blocks against

University.

“Austin really came on strong and had a big second half in league

play,” Hill said. “He had a few monstrous games for us.”

The Coach’s Award went to senior center Jake Wheeler.

“I give that one out to somebody who exemplifies what a

student/athlete should be,” Hill said. “Jake certainly fits that

description. He knew his role on the team and he played within that

role.”

Senior guard Sean Bedrick took home the award for most

inspirational.

“For me, Sean was not only very vocal in the role of cheerleader

on the team, but he also suffered a devastating loss during the

season when his father passed away,” Hill said. “He really showed a

lot of character during such a tough time, and when he did get to

play, he made the most of those chances.”

Hill, in his first year as head coach at Laguna -- he is the

school’s third boys basketball coach in the last four years -- guided

the program to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs for the first time

in four years.

The Breakers went 5-5 in Pacific Coast League play. In the

previous three years, Laguna teams won a total of three league games.

The 14 wins the team recorded this year ranks as the 12th-highest

season win total in the 70-year history of Laguna Beach High boys’

basketball, Hill said.