Breakers impress during summer

The summer season is winding down for the Laguna Beach High boys’ basketball team.

The Breakers, despite not playing at full-strength, were 12-6 through Tuesday. They close out summer play this weekend at the Concordia Tournament.

Laguna plays two games both Friday and Saturday and ends the tournament with a game Sunday.

“The team is growing and improving, (but) we haven’t had our whole team or starting lineup together once the whole summer,� Laguna Coach Bret Fleming said. “Hopefully we’ll be at full strength this weekend. I really like the chemistry of this year’s group.�

Next week, the boys’ basketball program will put on the fifth annual Laguna Beach High alumni basketball tournament. The one-day event is July 28. Fleming said that about 100 players, making up 10 teams, will compete for the title. Among the participants are the 2011-12 Breakers and former players dating back to 1984 and prior.

The 1997-2000 team has won each of the four previous tournaments.

“This event has turned into a wonderful reunion of the Laguna Beach basketball community, where everyone has an opportunity to reconnect and establish ties with the current program,� Fleming said. “It’s also turned into a great fundraiser, which is secondary to the reunion. The whole community is invited to attend and connect with their all-time favorite players.�

Pool play begins at 8:30 a.m. at both Dugger and the North gymnasiums on campus. Each team will play two pool games before heading into a seeded, single-elimination bracket. Fleming said the championship game is at 4 p.m.

Those in attendance can bid on silent auction items that include court side tickets and VIP parking to a Los Angeles Lakers game, and a weekend stay in Palm Springs.

Fleming also will host a youth basketball camp beginning July 30. Instruction for players grades second through fifth is from 8 to 10 a.m., and from 10 a.m. to noon for players grades sixth through eighth. The camp runs daily through Aug. 3 at Thurston Middle School. Registration information can be found through the city of Laguna Beach Recreation Department.

[email protected]

Twitter: @MikeSciacca