The 2006-07 prep basketball season opened this week for the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams at Laguna Beach High.
The Breakers girls have a new head coach in Keith Clarkson and return just one starter from last year. On the boys’ court, Bret Fleming welcomes back several returners who could help lead Laguna to a big season.
Both teams will play for the first time this year in the Orange Coast League with league games beginning in January.
A capsule look at the 2006-07 Breakers:
GIRLS
Head coach: Keith Clarkson (1st)
Coaching staff: Monica Carter
Last year’s record: 4-19
League finish: 2-10 (6th)
Last league title: 2005
Returning starters: Britney Clark, G, Sr.
Other returners: Katie Daff, F, Jr.
Team outlook: Clarkson comes to Laguna after coaching the past 10 years at Garden Grove High. “Very young and inexperienced team this year, but they are very hard workers and also developing rapidly,” was how Clarkson described the Breakers. “We want to rebuild the tradition of winning from a few years ago and everyone wants to achieve this goal. Being in a new league this year will be good for us, since change is what we want to achieve.
“We have strong leadership with Britney, and we also have very eager newcomers who we hope will fit in nicely with our goal to succeed.”
The schedule: Solid, with the Breakers playing in three tournaments and some of the nonleague games, including matchups with Newport Harbor, Irvine and University.
Season opener: The Breakers took on Whitney Wednesday. The score wasn’t available at press time.
BOYS
Head coach: Bret Fleming (12th year)
Coaching staff: Rus Soobzokov; Anthony Katz
Last year’s record: 8-18
League finish: Fifth in Pacific Coast League
Last league title: 1999
Returning starters: Cheyne Martin (6-1, G, Sr.); Brian Delino (6-3, F, Sr.); Ian Butters (5-10, G, Sr.); Bob Monroe (6-4, C, Sr.)
Other returners: Ryan Lawler (6-4, C, Soph.); Nathan Pickett (6-3, F, Sr.)
Newcomers: Marcus Hairston (5-11, G, Jr.); Charley Bowman (5-11, G, Jr.); Dylan Roley (5-11, G, Jr.); Parker King (6-0, G, Jr.); Jason House (5-7, G, Jr.); Kevin Buck (5-11, G, Jr.); Chris Hyden (6-4, C, Sr.).
Team outlook: “We return four starters plus one some-time starter,” Fleming said.
“We have the talent to be a very competitive team, and we should do well if we play hard. We have good depth this year, which should allow us to play more up-tempo and extend our defense. Our seniors have all been playing together on the same team since the third-grade.
“It’s been a blessing to watch these kids grow up and mature into young men. We’re having a lot of fun.”
The schedule: Key nonleague games include matchups with Glendora and Dana Hills, in addition to two tournament appearances for the Breakers.
Next game: Currently playing in the Western Tournament through Saturday.
