Hoping for better results

Jon Hendrickson made his coaching debut at Laguna Beach Tuesday when the Breakers’ girls’ basketball team opened its 2007-08 season against Beckman.

The visiting Patriots defeated the Breakers, 51-48, at Dugger Gym.

Laguna’s scoring balance included 12 points each from Katy Doff and Tess Grogan, 11 from Emily LaRose, 10 from Lauren Kelly and three from Emily Writer.

Beckman, which improved to 1-1, was led by Angie Delgado’s game-high 26 points.

Prior to taking over the Laguna program, Hendrickson served as varsity girls’ basketball coach at Arlington High in Riverside from 1998-2005.

Here’s a capsule look at the 2006-07 Breakers:

Head coach: Jon Hendrickson (first year)

2006-07 record: 0-20

Returning starters: Emily LaRose (5-8, guard, Sr.); Katy Daff (5-10, forward, Jr.);

Other returners: Adrienne Suner (5-5, guard, Jr.); Shawna Reinart (5-6, guard, Sr.).

Newcomers: Tess Grogan (5-5, guard, Sr.); Lauren Kelly (5-10, center, Sr.); Emily Writer (5-6, guard, Fr.); Amy Congleton (5-8, forward, Soph.); Samantha Garner (6-1, center, Fr.).

Coach’s outlook: “Although the team won zero games last year, I fully expect us to compete in every game we play and be a threat to win our league. Our team has two seniors back who did not play last year, Tess Grogan and Lauren Kelly, and we also have two freshman, Emily Writer and Samantha Garner, who will contribute on a nightly basis and most likely start every game. Combine those players with returners Emily LaRose and Katy Daff, and you can see why my outlook is positive.

Coach’s challenge: “Getting the girls to be committed throughout the year to the team and to the program. Girls’ basketball has not been a top priority in Laguna for awhile and I am hoping to reverse that trend. I want them to understand that it’s not just a fun thing to do between the months of November and February. If they want to be part of a winning program and one they can reflect on later in life, then it is going to take much more than that.”

Final thoughts: “I am excited to be living, teaching and coaching in Laguna. I grew up and attended high school in Laguna Hills and it’s great to be back after a 10-year hiatus. I am especially enthusiastic about the upcoming basketball season.”