About LBE

Laguna Beach Elite is a youth sports organization founded in 2023 by former Laguna Beach High School Alumni players.

LBE was organized to help promote basketball in Laguna Beach and create a basketball community that will develop over the years. We are just getting started but our aim is to combine first-class training, camps, club teams, and seasonal recreational leagues. Laguna Beach Elite aims to offer everything your child needs to become a better basketball player and have fun while developing their basketball skills and knowledge of the game.

The main goal of LBE is to provide a safe and fun environment for our youth and to prepare them for the next level. Collaborating closely with the high school program presents a valuable opportunity for players to establish a sense of belonging and camaraderie, fostering friendships and building team chemistry as they progress through the academic system together.

Coaching Staff

  • Jim Garvey

    Head Coach of LBHS
    Coach Jim Garvey serves as the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Laguna Beach High School, where he is committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the court. A longtime educator and coach within the Laguna Beach community, Garvey is also a respected Spanish teacher, instructing Spanish I, Spanish II Honors, and AP Spanish Literature at the school. With years of coaching experience in the Laguna Beach basketball program, Garvey has helped guide players through all levels of development, previously serving as a junior varsity coach before taking over the varsity program. His teams emphasize fundamentals, teamwork, accountability, and a competitive mindset, while maintaining a strong focus on character and academic success. Known for his positive leadership and dedication to student growth, Coach Garvey has built a reputation for fostering a culture of hard work, discipline, and respect. His passion for teaching and coaching has made a lasting impact on generations of Laguna Beach student-athletes and has helped strengthen the tradition of excellence within the Breakers basketball program.
  • Norman Nolan

    Head Coach of LBE Programs
    Norman Nolan is a retired professional basketball player with over 20 years of competitive experience at the top international and collegiate levels. Hailing from Baltimore, MD, where he played at the nationally recognized basketball powerhouse Dunbar High School, Norm was a three-time Maryland State Champion, Maryland Player of the Year and a McDonald’s and Parade All-American, amongst a host of other high school accolades. He played college basketball at the University of Virginia, where he remains one of the top five players in school history in double-doubles and was an All-ACC team selection. He served as one of the team's co-captains his senior year, while accumulating one of the best single seasons in school history. After college and short stints with the NBA, Norm went on to play 15 years internationally in Italy, Spain, and Greece along with several other appearances throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America. As a pro he won two championships and was named to several 1st team all-league teams and voted to many all-star games. Norm retired from playing in 2013, and has since dedicated himself to improving the culture that surrounds youth basketball, as well as mentoring and advising those seeking the same career path as his. In March 2016, Norm was recognized and inducted as an ACC Tournament Legend class of 2016, to highlight his accomplished career.
  • Michael Bagatourian

    Assistant Coach

    Michael Bagatourian is a dedicated and accomplished basketball coach with an extensive playing and coaching background.

    As a player, Bagatourian enjoyed a stellar career at Biola University (2017-2022), where he scored 1,702 points, placing him in the top five all-time in school history. Over his collegiate career, he started all 129 games he played in, showcasing remarkable consistency and durability.

    Bagatourian also ranked in the top 10 in conference history in points scored, rebounds, assists, and three-point percentage, while finishing in the top four in career field goals made. Highlights from his time at Biola include multiple 30-point games, 3x All-Conference selection, 2x All-Conference Tournament Team honors, and leading his team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance, where they reached the regional semifinals.

    Before college, Bagatourian was a standout at Crean Lutheran High School, amassing over 2,000 career points while leading his team in points, rebounds, and assists. His exceptional play earned him numerous accolades, including being a 4x First Team All-League selection, 3x All-CIF honoree, 2x league MVP, and the City of Irvine MVP in his senior year. Additionally, he was named to the Orange County All-Star team in his final high school season. In coaching, Bagatourian has brought his passion for player development and leadership to multiple programs.

    He began as an assistant coach at Buena Park High School (2020-2021), while still playing at Biola. After his playing career, he transitioned to coaching college basketball, serving as an assistant coach for the Irvine Valley College women’s basketball team (2022-2024). Currently, Bagatourian is serving his first year as an assistant coach for the Irvine Valley College men’s basketball team.

    Off the court, Bagatourian was recently married to Jade. The couple is excitedly preparing to welcome their first child, a son, due in June.

  • Enver Soobzokov

    Coach and LBE Administrator
    A Laguna Beach native, Enver is currently an Assistant Coach at Irvine Valley College. After playing for Laguna Beach High School, Enver played collegiate basketball at Irvine Valley College, Cal State Stanislaus and Cal State San Bernardino.

    Following his collegiate years, he played professionally in Jordan helping the country qualify for the first time in history for the World Cup in 2010. He also participated and won multiple Jordan League titles, Asia Club and Arab Championships.

    Enver has served as an NBA Scout from 2012-2018 with the LA Clippers overseeing top prospects in the G League for several seasons. In 2019 he worked with the Phoenix Suns scouting the NCAA, international and G league prospects. Enver has also served as the Head Assistant Coach on the Jordanian National Team for the FIBA World Cup Qualifications in 2018.

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