Brown Finds Challenge at Laguna Hills : Fountain Valley Coach Leaves After 21 Seasons

Dave Brown, who coached boys’ varsity basketball at Fountain Valley High School for 21 years, said Tuesday he has resigned to become basketball coach and athletic director at Laguna Hills High School.

Brown will replace Joe Reid, who resigned in June because he wanted to take a break from coaching after 22 consecutive years.

Reid led Laguna Hills to the only two Southern Section basketball playoff appearances in the school’s history. Last season, Reid led the Hawks to their most successful season, finishing 16-10 and winning their first postseason game.

“I decided I was ready for a change, and I was fortunate enough to be chosen,” said Brown, 47. “I’m real impressed by Laguna Hills. They have great potential, basketball-wise, and had their best season last year . . . I want to establish a strong, consistent program.

“Laguna Hills is a little gem tucked away here. There’s great potential, and they have outstanding academics.”

Three starters and six lettermen return to Laguna Hills next season.

Brown said he was 350-165 and won seven Sunset League championships at Fountain Valley, which advanced to the Southern Section playoffs 16 times. The school had its best season in 1976, when it was 26-2.

Brown, who graduated from Redondo Union High and Cal State Long Beach, started his coaching career in 1965 at Pioneer High School. A year later, he went to Fountain Valley to coach the junior varsity for two years, and took over the varsity in 1968.

Last season, the Barons finished 19-7, advancing to the second round of the 5-AA playoffs where they lost to Long Beach Jordan.