Hill, Howard resign

Mike Sciacca

The basketball programs at Laguna Beach High received a double whammy

this week when boys’ varsity coach Mark Hill and girls’ varsity coach

Stacy Howard both announced their resignation from their posts.

The school has begun a search for replacements for both.

In recent years, there’s been an unparalleled boon in boys’ and

girls’ basketball success at the school.

Howard has been with the girls’ program for the past six years,

the first two as a varsity assistant to Michelle Miles, the final

four, as head coach of the program.

In her four years as head coach, Laguna attained several

milestones.

The first turned out to be a major stepping stone when, in 2003,

Laguna defeated Northwood to end a Pacific Coast League losing skid

at 52 games.

A year later, the Breakers finished league play in third place and

earned their first CIF playoff berth in 16 years.

This year, Laguna won its first-ever league championship in girls’

basketball and won its first-ever CIF playoff game.

“I just think it was time for me to move on,” said Howard, noting

the decision was a tough one. “A lot of things in my life have taken

a back seat to basketball these past six years. I felt that I was

being stretched too thin. Something had to give.

“It was a great ride. I learned a lot and hope I gave a lot. I’m

really proud of the girls and what they accomplished.”

For Hill, he helped build a Laguna boys’ team that had won five

league games in the three previous years prior to his arrival on

campus for the 2003-04 season.

Immediately, his Breakers tasted success.

In his two years at the school, Laguna reached the CIF playoffs

and won a playoff game in each instance.

His 14-game winning season of 2003-04 had the 11th-best single season win total in school history.

This year’s team went 17-11, which is the seventh-best single

season victory mark.

Both Howard and Hill produced all-CIF Southern Section players

during their final year.

“It’s been a positive experience these two years,” Hill said.

“But, being a walk-on coach and not a teacher at the school is tough.

I have nothing but fond memories of these kids and for the seniors,

I’m very happy and proud to be a part of their successes.”