Laguna Beach gets back on winning track

The Laguna Beach girls’ fifth/sixth grade team ran its record to 4-1 Saturday and got back on the winning track by defeating Capo Dana, 26-14, in National Junior Basketball action at Thurston Middle School in Laguna Beach.

Laguna earned the win after pulling away from an 11-10 halftime lead. Its defensive effort, sparked by Molly Cohn, allowed Capo Valley just four second-half points.

Laguna was led in scoring by Sophia Lucas with 17 points and Taylor Glenn scored five points.

In a previous game Jan. 7, Laguna suffered its first loss of the season, 30-27, against Niguel Aliso at Aliso Niguel High. Laguna held the lead throughout the game but Niguel Aliso used a full-court press in the fifth quarter and took a 28-27 lead with 10 seconds to play. Laguna turned the ball over on the inbounds pass after the go-ahead score, and Niguel Aliso scored before the final buzzer.

Lucas again led Laguna with 17 points and Isabel Mansour added eight points.

Laguna is idle this weekend and returns to the court Jan. 28 for a game against El Toro.

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Girls’ Division 3

The Laguna Beach girls’ third-fourth grade team continued its impressive start to the season by rolling to a 38-10 victory Saturday at Laguna Hills. The defensive play of Emmalisa Randrup, Cosette Chesley, Ella Dartez and Isabel Meekma was key to the win, which put Laguna Beach at 5-0. Piper Naess led all scorers with 14 points and Jamie MacKay scored eight.

— From Staff Reports