Laguna flat in loss to Estancia

COSTA MESA “” It was a cold night for the Laguna Beach High boys’ basketball team Wednesday night at Estancia.

The Breakers offense took a while to get going and never really quite woke up as they fell to the Eagles, 43-22, in the Orange Coast League game.

Laguna (6-12, 2-1 in league) suffered its first league loss since 2008, when the Breakers also fell to Estancia. The Breakers share first place with Estancia and Godinez and they host Godinez at 7 tonight.

“I thought we panicked,” Breakers Coach Bret Fleming said of the Estancia game. “We didn’t play defense and we didn’t run our offense. All we did was put the ball on the floor with our heads down.”

Laguna Beach didn’t score its first points until senior Adam Selevan’s free throw with under four minutes left in the first quarter. Trailing throughout, the Breakers cut the lead to nine points late in the third quarter on Selevan’s three-pointer, but could not get closer.

After Selevan’s layup early in the fourth, the Breakers didn’t score again.

Selevan led the team with eight points. Sophomore point guard Tyler Masukawa scored five before fouling out and freshman Jake Dalke also had five. Alex Masukawa and Derek Reigel scored two each for the Breakers.

Estancia was led by senior guard Kohl Jones, who had a game-high 11.

“What won the game was our defense,” Jones said.

“We knew Laguna’s a good team every year. They always play hard. We just wanted to come out and play tough with them.”

After tonight’s game against Godinez, the Breakers play host to last-place Costa Mesa on Wednesday.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

The Breakers fell to Estancia, 49-37, on the road Tuesday night in Orange Coast League action.

Junior Emily Writer had a team-high 17 points for Laguna Beach (5-14, 1-2). Lola Cowie scored seven, Holly Battle had five and Samantha Garner had four. Grace Komoroczy and Karly Mac added two points each.

Laguna was down by only 20-16 at halftime before being outscored, 14-3, in the pivotal third quarter.

“We played well but lost our enthusiasm and our passion in the third quarter,” Coach Jon Hendrickson wrote in an e-mail. “[We] came out fired up in the fourth and scored 18 points but it wasn’t enough. The girls learned that you can’t compete for only three quarters and still win the game.We are playing better but not well enough to beat the top three in our league.

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BOYS’ SOCCER

The Breakers were humbled at Estancia on Wednesday, 6-0. Laguna is still looking for its first league win.

The Breakers (4-11-1, 0-3) host Godinez at 6:15 p.m. today and play against Costa Mesa at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday at Estancia High.

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GIRLS’ SOCCER

Scheduled games against Estancia on Tuesday and Godinez on Thursday were postponed because of rain, Coach Bill Rolfing said.

Makeup dates had not been determined as of press time, but might be Saturday or Monday.

Laguna (4-9-4, 0-1-1) is also scheduled to play Costa Mesa at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday at Estancia High.

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GIRLS’ WATER POLO

For the second straight year, Laguna placed fifth at the prestigious Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions.

After beating Vista of San Diego, 8-5, in the first round, the Breakers lost to Corona del Mar for the second straight tournament, this time 5-3 in the quarterfinals. Yoshi Andersen, Riley Duncan and Lexie Ross scored for Laguna.

“[We] held them to one goal in the second half but we just couldn’t find the back of the net on the offensive end,” Coach Ethan Damato wrote in an e-mail. “CdM plays really good team defense.”

Laguna responded Saturday to edge San Diego Section powerhouse Coronado, 7-6, as well as Santa Barbara, 5-4, in a game Ross missed because of a singing performance. However, Andersen scored twice and Jessie Holechek, Melena Masson and Lexie del Toro added goals.

Andersen was named to the all-tournament team.

“In this tournament, if you win your first game you can very easily go 1-3 and still be playing good water polo,” Damato said. “We finished 3-1 and continued to find ways to win close games. I can’t say enough about our team defense and the way we play together on that end of the pool. Overall, a really great team effort this weekend.”

The Breakers (12-4) also took over first place in the CIF Southern Section Division II poll from Palos Verdes, which fell to No. 2. The teams are scheduled to play Jan. 29 at Palos Verdes. First, the Breakers are scheduled to host Foothill at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Orange Coast League foe Godinez at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday.