Tough losses mount

That first victory in the 2008-09 season seemed imminent for the Laguna Beach High girls’ basketball team Tuesday.

Holding a five-point lead with a minute to play against visiting Morningside of Inglewood, Laguna saw that advantage and victory disappear when the Monarchs rallied down the stretch, tied the score on a pair of free throws with five seconds left in regulation and then went on to claim a 60-58 overtime victory in nonleague play at Dugger Gym.

The Breakers didn’t have Sam Garner in overtime. The sophomore center fouled out in regulation play and left the game with 12 points “” seven of which came from the foul line “” and 12 rebounds. In her absence in overtime, the Monarchs controlled the boards.

“It’s tough to stay positive after a tough loss like this one,” Laguna Coach Jon Hendrickson said after seeing his team fall to 0-7. “Great effort by the girls and probably our best game to date. But it wasn’t enough.”

Laguna’s Emily Writer hit 11 free throws and a pair of three-point shots to lead all scorers with 27 points. The sophomore guard/forward also grabbed eight rebounds.

Katie Daff made five three-point shots and went on to finish with 19 points. The senior forward had a double-double with 10 rebounds.

On Monday, Laguna again played tough yet dropped a 48-38 nonleague decision to visiting St. Margaret’s. Daff hit three three-point baskets and went on to lead Laguna in scoring with 14 points.

Writer was next with 13 points and Garner and senior Adrienne Suner scored seven and four points, respectively.

Both Garner and Writer had more than 10 rebounds and Daff had five blocked shots.

“Defensively we played solidly, but (we) were hurt with only a six-point third quarter,” Hendrickson said.

In its last five games, Laguna has lost by one, 12, five, 10 and two points.

The Breakers take on Century in Santa Ana today in a 7 p.m. nonleague tipoff.

After that, Laguna is off until Dec. 26 when it begins play at the Garden Grove Tournament.

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Boys’ basketball

Laguna had little trouble Monday in its tournament opener at the Orange Coast Optimist Holiday Shootout. The Breakers blasted Magnolia, 52-29, at Rancho Alamitos High.

Laguna was in control, 19-5, at the end of the first quarter and up, 27-13, at the half.

“I thought we came out really strong and that set the tone from there,” Laguna Coach Bret Fleming said. “Overall, I thought we played a pretty solid game.”

Senior post Christian Kesler led the way with 16 points. Junior guard Adam Selevan and senior guard Ryan Lawler scored nine points apiece.

“Christian and Adam both had nice games,” Fleming said. “Eight kids played and all contributed.”

Laguna, which improved to 5-2 with the win, was coming off a 50-40 nonleague loss Dec. 12 to Dana Hills. Senior guard Dylan Roley paced the Breakers with 18 points.

Laguna continues play today and Saturday at the Orange Coast Optimist Holiday Shootout. On Monday, the Breakers will take on Northwood as part of the Orange County North-South Challenge at El Toro High. Tipoff is 4 p.m.

“It’s a great venue with some great matchups,” Fleming said.

MIKE SCIACCA covers sports. He can be reached at (949) 494-4321 or by e-mail at michael.sciacca@latimes.com.