Girls’ Basketball: Breakers continue to ride high

Through the first portion of the 2012-13 girls’ basketball season, the Laguna Beach High Breakers have achieved several milestones.

Where the Breakers stand now, compared to this point of the season one year ago, is, well, a world’s difference.

Laguna so far is enjoying a 12-1 season. Last year, the Breakers went 0-18.

During holiday play that ended Saturday, they captured the championship of the Desert Christian Academy Tournament by defeating Palm Springs, 54-27, in the title game.

It’s the second title in two tournament appearances this year for Laguna, which previously won the Oxford Academy Tournament on Dec. 8.

At 12-1, and enjoying a week away from action, the Breakers appear to have momentum entering the start next week of their Orange Coast League schedule.

“The girls are playing very well and have exceeded our team goals thus far,” Laguna Coach Mark Lewis said. “We prepare well in practice and the girls have executed our game plans masterfully. The tournament in the desert included not only some good basketball and nice victories but also some good team bonding heading into league.”

A mix of returning players from last year’s tough winless season combined with several freshman newcomers, have turned the program around in a short period of time. The next challenge awaiting the Breakers is Orange Coast League competition.

The 10-game league slate starts Tuesday with a 7 p.m. home game at Dugger Gym against Saddleback.

“The girls really came together on and off the court,” Lewis said. “Obviously, we have good momentum heading into league. But, as we will be discussing in practice this week and next, league is like a new season and a whole new beginning. Sure, we are 12-1 overall, but as far as league we are 0-0 just like all of our league opponents.”

The Breakers will play five league opponents through Jan. 22. They face one more nonleague test, at St. Margaret’s on Jan. 23, then close out the season with five more league contests. The St. Margaret’s game comes in the middle of a three-game swing in as many days.

“We must continue to work hard, remain focused and take care of business,” Lewis said. “I expect us to be very competitive in every game in league. We have an opportunity to make some noise in league, but it will be challenging and I expect our league opponents will come ready to play hard against us every game.

“We do not take any of our opponents for granted and will do the same heading into our first league game against a scrappy Saddleback team.”

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Remaining schedule

Tuesday: Saddleback, 7 p.m.

Thursday : at Estancia, 7 p.m.

Jan. 15: Calvary Chapel, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17: Godinez, 7 p.m.

Jan. 22: at Costa Mesa, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23: at St. Margaret’s, 6 p.m.

Jan. 24: Estancia, 7 p.m.

Jan. 29: at Saddleback, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31: at Godinez, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4: at Calvary Chapel, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6: Costa Mesa, 7 p.m.

michael.sciacca@latimes.com

Twitter: @MikeSciacca