Winn, Putnam named All-CIF
Laguna Beach High boys’ volleyball player Jack Winn and softball standout Haley Putnam were named All-CIF in their respective sports.
Winn’s honor — a spot on the Southern Section Division 2 team — comes on the heels of being named Most Valuable Player in the Orange Coast League. A three-year varsity player, the senior has started for the Breakers the past two years.
“This season, Jack was asked to hit, as well, play some opposite, in addition to his setting duties,” Laguna Coach Scott Panaro said. “He is a tenacious athlete who brings a high energy personality possessed by few. Jack was our vocal leader this season. Anyone who attended a match noticed Jack. He was constantly taking charge by orchestrating our offense and making heads up defensive calls.”
Winn led the Breakers in aces (38) and points scored (322).
“Jack was a beast at the service line,” Panaro said. “I consider myself lucky to have a leader like Jack in my first season. His dedication, passion and skills will be greatly missed.”
By being named to the Southern Section Division 5 softball team, Putnam became the third Laguna player — and first since 1996 — to be named All-CIF, Breakers Coach Alan Ludloff said. The Laguna team captain had a 1.71 earned-run average and allowed only six walks.
Ludloff said the junior also led the team in several offensive categories for the season, including batting average (.571), hits (40), home runs (five), triples (five), doubles (10) and runs scored (30).
Putnam captured the 2012 Orange Coast League Scholar Athlete award, and was named Laguna’s MVP for the season.
“I am very happy that Haley made the All-CIF team,” Ludloff said. “As one of the smaller schools, it is easy to overlook us, but her stats were strong and the board at CIF saw her as one of the top players in Southern California. She was the only player from [the] Orange Coast League to receive this honor.
“Haley had an amazing year and she definitely earned this recognition. Whenever Laguna Beach High gets an All-CIF player, it is a pretty big deal. Haley is a great student-athlete and her accomplishment shows that hard work and commitment brings success.”
Twitter: @MikeSciacca