Programs have different goals

The 2011-12 season is just about to start for the Laguna Beach High boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. Veteran Coach Bret Fleming opens his 14th year with an experienced and talented boys’ team. The girls’ team is under first-year Coach Mark Lewis.

Below is a capsule look at both squads.

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Girls’ Team

Head coach: Mark Lewis (first year)

Staff: Clayton Olivier

2010-11 record: 12-10

League record/finish: 6-4 (third place)

CIF results: Lost first-round game in Division 4A playoffs

The roster: Kylie Even (G, Jr.); Madeline Knutson (F, Jr.); Kyra Humphries (G, Soph.); Jane Wallin (Soph., C); Katie Acosta (F/C, Fr.); Kendra Overstreet (F/G, Soph); Sarina Strickland (F, Soph).; Audrey Rodriguez (G, Soph.).

Outlook: The program’s all-time leading scorer, Emily Writer, graduated in June, along with fellow all-league player Sam Garner. Lewis said that three other players also left the team. The Breakers begin the season with an eight-player roster. “I see this season as one where thus far, the girls have worked hard and improved and we will continue to make strides in that direction,” Lewis said. “It will no doubt be a building year. But the girls who remain have great attitudes and are committed to working hard, which makes the experience much more enjoyable for all.”

Season opener: Dec. 7, 7 p.m., vs. Fullerton

The schedule

Dec. 7: Fullerton, 6 p.m.

Dec. 13: San Juan Hills, 6 p.m.

Dec. 15: at Capo Valley Christian

Dec. 20-23: at Santiago Tournament

Jan. 5: Savanna

Jan. 10: *Estancia, 7 p.m.

Jan. 12: at *Calvary Chapel, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17: at *Godinez, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18: St. Margaret’s, 6 p.m.

Jan. 19: *Costa Mesa, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24: at *Saddleback, 7 p.m.

Jan. 26: *Calvary Chapel, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2: at *Costa Mesa, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6: *Godinez, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8: *Saddleback, 7 p.m.

(*denotes Orange Coast League game)

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Boys’ Team

Head coach: Bret Fleming (17th year; 237-188)

Staff: Jim Garvey; Rus Soobzokov

2010-11 record: 18-10

League record/finish: 9-1 (first place)

CIF results: Reached second round of Division IVA playoffs

The roster: Tyler Masukawa (G. 5-8, league MVP, all-CIF, Sr.); Jake Dalke (G, 6-3, first-team all-league, Jr.); Cole Kesler (G, 6-2, first-team all-league, Jr.); Derek Reigel (F, 6-1, second-team all-league, Sr.); Brandon Lewis (F, 6-4, Sr.); Luke Barker (F, 6-3, Sr.); Jack Pillsbury (G, 6-3, Sr.); Noah Blanton (G, 6-4, Soph).

Outlook: The Breakers lost second-team all-league player Tyler Kesler to graduation but could have plenty of firepower to repeat as league champs. “We play a tough nonleague schedule and three competitive tournaments, so we should find out early what we’ve got,” Fleming said. “We’ve got a lot of experience coming back and decent overall size. It’s a group that’s played together for awhile and I think we have good chemistry and a good work ethic. I’m guessing we’ll probably be picked to win league and I think if we stay healthy, we should and make a solid run in CIF. I’m really enjoying coaching this group We have a huge upside with this group. It’s the most talent we’ve had since 2008-09. My one concern is that we stay healthy and continue to work hard.”

Season opener: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m., vs. Western at the Loara Tournament.

The schedule

Monday-Dec. 3: at Godinez Grizzly Invitational

Dec. 6: at Dana Hills, 7 p.m.

Dec. 9: at Irvine, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12-17: at Orange Optimist Classic (Westminster High)

Dec. 21: vs. La Habra, 3 p.m. (O.C. North/South Challenge)

Dec. 27-30: at Estancia Tournament

Jan. 11: *Estancia, 7 p.m.

Jan. 13: at *Calvary Chapel, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18: at *Godinez, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20: *Costa Mesa, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25: at *Saddleback, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27: *Calvary Chapel, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1: at *Estancia, 7 p.m.

Feb. 3: at *Costa Mesa, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7: *Godinez, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9: *Saddleback, 7 p.m.

(*denotes Orange Coast League game)