The Laguna Beach boys' basketball team was one of 10 teams to participate Wednesday on the opening day of the two-day Orange County North/South Challenge at El Toro High. Playing the first of an 11-game event, the Breakers were outscored by La Habra, 15-3, in the fourth quarter, and were handed a 48-44 defeat by the Highlanders.
The Breakers took a 22-18 halftime lead and extended their lead to 41-33 after three quarters.
"That's five games in a row now where we've had the lead, and lost," Laguna Coach Bret Fleming said. "The other teams get down against us, then get desperate. We've had problems finishing games."
Senior forward Brandon Lewis connected on five three-point shots and led Laguna with 17 points. Junior guard Jake Dalke hit four three-pointers and finished with 16 points. The Highlanders' Ryan Hall led all scorers with 26 points.
Laguna finished up play last week at the Charlie Wilkins Tournament at Westminster High. In a Dec. 16 game, the Breakers fell, 59-37, to Trabuco Hills after being outscored, 31-11, in the second half. Dalke scored a game-high 16 points and Lewis and junior guard Cole Kesler scored nine and eight points, respectively.
