Making summer goals

Mike Sciacca

The start of the 2004-’05 prep season is two months away, but you can

feel the anticipation growing in the Laguna Beach High water polo

program.

The summer season for the boys’ and girls’ team actually began in

mid-June, and so far, it’s been a summer of success.

“Both teams have done quite well up to this point,” Laguna Coach

Rick McKee said. “It’s really been a good summer, and we’re excited

for the fall and starting up again.

“The girls are getting excited because they are realizing their

potential, and the boys have done a great job, as well.”

Laguna’s boys already have twice defeated Foothill during the

summer season.

Last fall, Foothill eliminated the Breakers from the CIF-Southern

Section playoffs.

“The boys are playing teams tough and played within a goal or two

of teams like El Toro and Servite,” McKee said. “I’m impressed by

what they’ve done so far.”

This weekend, Laguna will compete in the Villa Park Tournament.

The Breakers’ first game will be against Mid Valley at 10 a.m.

Saturday.

The weekend of July 17-18, Laguna will compete in a tournament in

Santa Barbara.

Today, Laguna’s girls make the trek to Santa Barbara to compete at

the Mystical National Championships -- a 32-team tournament composed

of teams that had been invited to compete.

Teams from throughout the state will compete at the prestigious,

annual tournament, and each team is guaranteed to play six games.

Laguna opens the tournament today with a 4:30 p.m. match against

Clovis West at Santa Barbara High.

It’s been a busy summer for the Breaker girls, who play in five

leagues Monday through Wednesday and compete in weekend tournaments.

Laguna, which practices at 5:30 a.m. three times weekly, fell to a

tough Santa Margarita squad Tuesday.

“It’s early in the season, but we’re playing really well right

now,” McKee said. “The girls are still trying to figure each other

out. Every year brings a different team character. But the girls are

coming together and everybody is doing really well.”

Laguna didn’t lose a single player from last year’s Division II

semifinal team and figures to be ranked at or near the top when the

division poll is released in mid-September.

A look at key Laguna players, with comments from McKee:

Kat Gordon, utility, Sr.: “She really has come to the front to

become our team leader.”

Breanna Duplisea, two-meter defender, Soph.: “She’s really stepped

up her game and is doing quite well.”

Jessica McKee, utility, Soph.: “She’s had a really good summer and

just made the Zone Youth water polo team for Orange County.”

Celia Huling, driver, Soph.: “She’s really showing initiative and

doing some great things.”

Brittnay Forrest, driver, Jr.: She’s doing quite well with her

game.”

Alana Thomson, goalie, Sr.: “She works hard. She has a mantle to

carry, coming off a year in which she was third-team All-CIF. She

knows the importance of her contribution to the team.”

Shauna Badheka, two-meter hole set, Jr.: “She’s recovering from a

dislocated shoulder and making a comeback. She’s a natural

right-hander but is learning to play with her left hand, as well.”

Erin Reid, utility, Fr.: “A left-hander who will probably play

varsity. She’s very quick and a very good water polo player.”

Hayley Simon, driver, Soph.: Probably the fastest girl on our

team. She’s doing really well.”

Megan Vick, driver, Sr.: “She’s a hard worker, probably the

hardest-working player on our team.”

At the end of July, several members of the girls’ team, as well as

18-and-under and 16-and-under boys’ teams -- both composed of Laguna

athletes -- will compete at the Junior Olympics at Fort Lauderdale,

Fla.

Laguna is only one of two high schools in Orange County to qualify

two boys’ teams, McKee said.

“That’s a great feat,” said McKee, who will be in Fort Lauderdale

for the games. “We’re very excited about the Junior Olympics. That

will be a great highlight of our summer.”

The Laguna 16-and-under water polo team comprises Anthony Ackley,

utility, Fr.; Sean Dorse, two-meter defender, Fr.; Brad Fair, driver,

Soph.; Mike Giangeruso, driver, Jr.; Pierre Masson, two-meter

defender, Fr.; Nathan McConnell, utility, Fr.; Max McDonald, driver,

Soph.; Max Munoz, utility, Fr.; River Meyers, driver, Soph.; Garret

Sauls, driver, Soph.; Kevin Westlake, utility, Soph.; Max Miller,

driver, Fr.; Clifton Roger, utility, Fr.; Chase Johnson, goalie,

Soph.; Warren Johnson, goalie, Fr.

The Laguna 18-and-under water polo team comprises Cameron

Brinkman, two-meter, Soph.; Bret Burge, goalie, Sr.; Cedric Channels,

driver, Sr.; Mike Vick, two-meter, Jr.; Ryan Fair, utility, Sr.;

twins Trevor and Jeremy Frimond, drivers, Srs.; Kelan Hurley, driver,

Jr.; Adam Kaplan, two-meter defender, Jr.; Brett Landrum, first-year

player, Sr.; Peter Phelps, utility, Soph.; Kirk Westlake, goalie, Jr.