Boys fall in hoops opener

Laguna Beach High loses to tough Etiwanda squad in tournament play.As season openers go, the Laguna Beach High boys’ basketball team couldn’t have faced a more daunting task Tuesday.

The Breakers, opening the season with a new head coach and a new-look lineup, took on Etiwanda in the opening round of the Taco Company Invitational at Cypress High. Etiwanda, the defending champion in CIF-Southern Section Division I, posted a 65-29 victory.

Laguna, which trailed 29-12, at the half, was led by senior guard Jeff Clark, who scored 10 points.

Clark , a four-year varsity starter, is the lone returning starter for coach Bret Fleming.

Fleming is back for his second stint with the program. He also coached Laguna from 1990-2000.

Here’s a capsule look at the 2005-06 Breakers:

Head coach: Bret Fleming

Coaching staff: Jesse Obrand, Rus Soobzokov

2004-05 record: 17-11 overall, 6-4 league

CIF playoff results: Won first-round game; eliminated in second round

Returning starters: Jeff Clark, 6-1, guard, 8 ppg, Sr.

Key players: Brian Delino, 6-2, guard, Jr.; Bobby Monroe, 6-4, forward, Jr.; Kevin Kelly 6-4, forward, Sr.; Brendan Finnerty, 5-10, guard, Jr.; Ian Butters, 5-10, guard, Jr.; Travis Grogan, 6-1, forward, Sr.; Nathan Pickett, 6-3, forward, Jr.; Sam Palfreyman, 5-9, guard, Sr.; Ryan Lawler, 6-4, guard, Fr.

Key losses: Four starters, including league MVP Ivan Kovacevic

Return engagement: “I missed the relationships with players, and I felt I needed to be doing more for the school and community,” Fleming said of his taking over the program again.

Biggest challenge for team: “To be improving the fundamental skill levels of all players in the program, as well as implementing an entirely new offensive system. I know most of the older players in the program, many of them since they were in first- and second-grade,” Fleming said.

Team overview: “This is a really nice group of kids,” Fleming said.

“They’re very coachable and beginning to show a strong work ethic. For us to be competitive, we’ll have to be able to shoot the ball extremely well from the perimeter and really embrace the concept of executing as a group.” 20051202iqsnu6knNo Caption20051202iqsntqknNo Caption20051202iqsnt9kn(LA)Right, Jeff Clark, left, and Brian Delino fight to recover a loose ball during Laguna Beach’s boys’ basketball team practice. Below, head coach Bret Fleming gives direction to his players. 20051202iqsnsvknPHOTOS BY MARK DUSTIN / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Above, Travis Grogan drives to the basket against the defense of Ryan Lawler. Below, returning starter Jeff Clark puts up a jump shot. Right, Jeff Clark, left, and Brian Delino fight to recover a loose ball during Laguna Beach’s boys’ basketball team practice. Below, head coach Bret Fleming gives direction to his players.