BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL 1995: PREVIEW : Six Teams to Watch : Laguna Beach

Coach: Michael Soylular (fifth year).

1994: 20-2, 10-0 in the Pacific Coast League. Lost in Division I final to Huntington Beach.

Key returners: Ryan Harmon, 5-7, back-row specialist, Jr.; James Kimball, 6-4, middle blocker, Jr.; Justin Maison, 5-11, outside hitter, Sr.; Kurt Nelson, 6-4, setter, Sr.; Dan Styles, 6-4, outside hitter, Sr.; Trevor Whalley, 6-4, middle blocker, Jr.

Key newcomers: Blair Anderson, 5-11, outside hitter, So.; Aidan Leedom, 6-2, outside hitter, Fr.; Zach Miller, 6-3, middle blocker, Sr.; Jeff Neibaum, 6-0, outside hitter, Sr.; Ryan Neptune, 6-4, outside hitter, Sr.

Outlook: The Artists lost one of their best hitters and passers (Beau Bianchi) and one of the county’s best middle blockers (Szilard Kovacs, now at USC) to graduation. But Laguna Beach should still challenge for the Division I title. Styles is one of the county’s best all-around players. Nelson is one of the best setters, and Whalley and Maison also played a lot last season. Neptune, a transfer from Woodbridge, also should make an impact.