Another banner year

Another year has come and gone. Heading into the past with it are several outstanding performances, both team-wise and individually, turned in by Laguna Beach High athletes during 2010.

Below are some of the key athletic highlights from the past 12 months that were reported to the Coastline Pilot:

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Winter

In an Orange Coast League girls' basketball game Jan. 25, Emily Writer scored 53 points in the Breakers' 71-64 loss to Costa Mesa to set a single-game scoring record. That total broke her own school record, which she set in 2009 when she scored 51 against the Mustangs.

By beating Godinez, 1-0, on Feb. 4, the girls' soccer team clinched third place in the Orange Coast League and secured a Division III playoff berth in the process. By doing so, it marked the first time in its history that the program had made the playoffs in back-to-back years.

The Orange Coast League boys' basketball title has been up for grabs four times since the league was formed at the start of the 2006-07 school year and in each instance, Laguna has done the taking. By defeating host Godinez, 48-38, on Feb. 10, the Breakers — who returned only one significant starter from the previous year — sewed up their fourth straight league crown.

"It's a great feeling (to win league again)," Coach Bret Fleming said. "This one was a little unexpected, but it's a credit to the kids. They kept working and kept fighting."

Senior guard Adam Selevan was named league MVP.

Hoping to repeat as CIF champion in girls' water polo, top-seed Laguna fell just short of that goal in a 6-5 loss to No. 2 Palos Verdes in the Division II title game in Irvine. It was the fourth title game appearance for the program in six years. Senior utility player Lexie Ross was named league's Most Valuable Player. Ross, Jessie Holechek, Jessica Shusko, Etianne Manetta Yoshi Andersen made the All-CIF Division II team. Ethan Damato was named co-Coach of the Year in the division.

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Spring

For the first time since 2007, Laguna fielded a softball team. Coach Mike Hunter's 18-player roster included 10 freshmen and the Breakers played a junior varsity Orange Coast League schedule.

"I like start-ups," Hunter said. "I fix programs that are broken. It's great to see the progression of the girls, how far they can come along. I love the challenge." The Breakers went on to a 13-5 season that included a 6-0 league mark.