Kesler leads way with basketball honors
Cole Kesler might have played his final game for the Laguna Beach boys’ basketball team last month but on Monday , the senior landed a coveted spot on the All CIF-Southern Section Division 4AA Basketball Team.
Kesler, a guard, was one of the main forces behind Laguna’s drive to the 2013 Orange Coast League basketball title. He averaged 13.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, four assists and two steals per game, and made 52 three-point shots.
Laguna Coach Bret Fleming said Kesler, who also had been named MVP of the OCL, is one of “23 different players” from Laguna, to land Southern Section honors. Fleming has coached 15 of those players.
“Cole had one of the best years of any player in recent history, and always played within the team concept,” Fleming said. “He led us in scoring, assists and steals, and led us to 22 wins and an undefeated league championship. He was a fierce competitor and also one of the nicest kids I’ve ever been around.”
Kesler was one of 10 players named to the Division 4AA team. Heading that group is division Player of the Year, London Perrantes of Crespi. The team also included: Lamond Murray Jr., Sr., Bishop Montgomery; Jeremy Major, Sr., Maranatha; Jordan Wilson, Sr., Windward; Joseph Rushing, Jr., La Verne Lutheran; Traveon Dawson, Jr., Serra; Chance Murray, Sr., Price; Ajon Efferson, Jr., Serra, Jamal Aytes, Sr., JSerra.
Brandon Lee of La Verne Christian was named division Coach of the Year.
“Division 4AA was easily the second-toughest division in CIF, with a lot of Division 1 college players,” Fleming said. “I really believe Cole deserves this honor.”
Kesler was one of four Breakers to be named to the All-Orange Coast League team. Senior guard Jake Dalke, junior post Noah Blanton, and junior guard Alec Wulff, were named to the first team. Dalke averaged 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and four assists per game. Blanton averaged 10.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and had 44 blocks on the season. Wulff averaged 11 points and three rebounds per game, and made 51 three-point shots.
*
2013 All-Orange Coast League Boys’ Basketball Team
MVP: Cole Kesler, Laguna Beach, Sr.
First Team
Laguna Beach: Jake Dalke, Sr.; Noah Blanton, Jr.; Alec Wulff, Jr.
Godinez: Brandon Smith, Soph.; Brian Hernandez, Sr.
Costa Mesa: Kyle Hefner, Jr.
Calvary Chapel: Philip Schick, Jr.
Second Team
Godinez: Anthony Avilla, Sr.
Calvary Chapel: Ryan Almquist, Jr.; Cobi Foster, Soph.
Costa Mesa: Sean Comer, Jr.
Estancia: Ben Beck, Sr.; Josh Mendoza, Jr.
Saddleback: Chris Farias, Sr.
*
Girls’ Basketball
Laguna Beach freshman Jackie Cenan has been named co-MVP with Estancia junior Celia Duran for the 2013 Orange Coast League season. Laguna junior Jane Wallin was named to the first team, and freshman Alexandra Lewis made the second team.
2013 All-Orange Coast League Girls’ Basketball Team
MVPs: Jackie Cenan, Fr., Laguna Beach; Celia Duran, Jr., Estancia.
First Team
Laguna Beach: Jane Wallin, Jr.
Estancia: Maya Van Den Heever, Fr.; Gianna Jason, Sr.
Godniez: Yvette Mendoza, Sr.
Costa Mesa: Molly Settles, Sr.; Danielle Obong, Jr.
Saddleback: Selena Bernal, Sr.
Second Team
Laguna Beach: Alexandra Lewis, Fr.
Estancia: Bryanna Vernon, Jr.; Michelle Simmons, Jr.
Godinez: Adriana Valencia, Jr.
Costa Mesa: Rachel Witter, Sr.; Alexa Loredo, Jr.
Calvary Chapel: Melissa Flores, Sr.
Twitter: @MikeSciacca