Hawks Put Down Artists, Take Step Toward Title

In a league where no team seemed as if it would emerge from the pack, Laguna Hills took a step forward Friday night and set a school record in the process.

The Hawks took an early lead, then held off visiting Laguna Beach, 55-51. In doing so, they reached 19 victories for the first time in school history. The victory also gave Laguna Hills (19-5, 6-2) sole possession of first place in the Pacific Coast League and put it a game up on Estancia (16-8, 5-3) and University (18-9, 5-3), both winners Friday.

Laguna Hills, which has won four in a row, plays at Costa Mesa (4-18, 0-8) Wednesday and closes out at home against Aliso Niguel (12-12, 4-4) Friday.

Laguna Beach (15-9, 4-4) fell into a fourth-place tie with Aliso Niguel, but not without a fight. The Artists suited up only seven players because of injuries, then lost starting forward Spencer Dornin for a good chunk of the second half after Dornin injured his right knee with 5 minutes 11 seconds left in the third quarter. He didn’t return until the 4:54 mark of the final quarter, and his knee was heavily bandaged.

Laguna Hills opened a 32-17 lead shortly before halftime, but couldn’t buy a basket after that, and the Artists crept back into contention on the strength of an 18-7 run. A three-point basket by guard B.J. Jameson closed out the third quarter with the Hawks ahead, 39-36.

A driving basket by Chris Sirianni with 4:22 left cut Laguna Hills’ lead to 45-44.

“We went ice cold during that period,” Laguna Hills Coach Dave Brown said. “Laguna Beach played with a bunch of hurt guys and did a good job. I know Sirianni has been hurt, too. But I credit our defense. We kept hanging in there.”

Laguna Hills made seven of nine free throws down the stretch, including the front end of a two-shot foul by Jeff Eittreim with five seconds left.

“We let them get on the offensive boards and that hurt us early on,” Laguna Beach Coach Bret Fleming said. “But I’m proud of my kids. We’re pretty banged up.”

In other Pacific Coast League games:

Estancia 77, Aliso Niguel 62--Sam Nelson’s 37 points and 12 rebounds led the host Eagles to the victory over Aliso Niguel.

Nelson made 18 of 20 from the free-throw line, 12 of 13 in the fourth quarter. Estancia made 33 of 39 free throws in the game. Brett Valbuena had 16 points and James Dawkins scored 12.

Aliso Niguel was led by J.J. Sola’s 28 points. Nathan Hair had 12 for Aliso Niguel (13-11, 4-4).

University 92, Costa Mesa 62--Eric Palmer scored 26 points and Larry Johnson and Justin Hunt each scored 10 points for University (13-9, 5-3).

Ryan Naff scored 17 points for Costa Mesa (4-18, 0-8).