Local hoopsters nationals bound

The Waves, an All-Net eighth-grade boys’ team from Laguna Beach,

caught March Madness fever last weekend by winning two games at the

National Junior Basketball Sectional Tournament.

The Waves, coached by longtime local youth basketball coach Randy

Marquette, held on for a hard-fought, 58-54 victory over the El

Modena Runnin’ Rebels in Whittier, then came back later the same day

to roll past South Coast, 62-40, in a game played in La Habra.

The two wins advances the Waves to the national tournament, which

will be held from April 1 to 3 at UC Irvine.

Laguna faced a must-win situation against El Modena, in its effort

to reach the national tournament.

An aggressive team defense, led by Skylar Perkins, plus a

fast-pace offense dictated by the trio of Dylan Roley, Aaron Friedson

and point guard Dylan McDonald, the Waves pulled out the win.

Laguna trailed, 32-29, at the half, but sparked by strong

rebounding from Cody Duplisea, Matt Karam and Will Marquette, the

Waves began to control the offensive and defensive boards against a

taller El Modena team.

Early in the third quarter, Jack Monroe converted a key, 15-foot

jumper that allowed the Waves to take the lead for good.

With the game still in doubt midway through the fourth quarter,

Perkins drove the lane for a key basket. In the waning moments, Roley

converted two crucial free throws, and Casey Finnerty maintained good

ball control, to seal the victory.

Swingman Aaron Friedson led Laguna with 22 points. McDonald scored

15 points, 11 of which were scored in the first quarter.

Later that day, Laguna was able to avenge a 20-point loss it

suffered to South Coast a week ago by posting a 22-point win in the

rematch.

The Waves started the game slowly, but came on strong and used a

barrage of fast breaks, steals and relentless defensive stops, to

take command.

Laguna led by 30 points at the end of the third quarter.

Freidson again led Laguna in scoring, this time with 25 points.

Laguna won the two games despite not having the services of Bryce

Healey, sidelined by a season-ending injury, and Rick Zona.