Morris named team MVP

Mike Sciacca

Senior Luke Morris, who will take his game to USC next year, has been

named MVP of the Laguna Beach High boys’ volleyball team for 2005.

The 34th annual team awards banquet was held at the Emerald Bay

Clubhouse.

Morris, who led the team in kills, aces and digs, also was named

the offensive and defensive player of the year.

“There isn’t a player in Orange County better at receiving serves,

playing defense and ball control,” Laguna coach Lance Stewart said of

Morris.

Laguna finished the season 18-10 in second-place in the Pacific

Coast League behind eventual CIF Division II champion Corona del Mar,

and split its two matches this season against the Sea Kings.

“This team did what I want each one of my teams to do, and that’s

put itself in position to win,” Stewart said. “You can’t ask for

anything more than that.

“The whole season, literally, came down to a few calls and a few

plays. Unfortunately, the ball didn’t bounce our way.”

The Pacific Coast League Male Athlete of the Year, Ivan Kovacevic,

led the team in blocks and was second in kills.

Below is a listing of the team award winners for the 2005 season:

Varsity

(18-10 overall, second in PCL)

Most Improved: Blair Bigelow

Coach’s Award: Chris Hoffman and Andrew Chapel

Captains: Clark Olson & Luke Morris

Outstanding Defensive Player: Luke Morris

Outstanding Offensive Player: Luke Morris

Junior Varsity

(15-6 overall, second in PCL)

Most Improved: Adam Salem

Coach’s Award: Cal Mokhtar and Scott Bernhardt

Captains: Jordan Martin and Clay Knapp

Outstanding Defensive Player: Austin Cooper

Outstanding Offensive Player: Roy McDennon

Frosh-Soph

(19-1 overall, PCL champions)

Most Improved: Armand Begay

Coach’s Award: Derek Larson and Jeff Larson

Captains: Kevin Buck and Chris Reames

Outstanding Defensive Player: Tyler Stanaland

Outstanding Offensive Player: Shawn Merz

Overall Team Sprit Award: Dave Koenig