With a 54-44 win over Decatur in the Mako Classic Tournament on Monday, Nov. 25, Orange Beach head basketball coach Chris Laatsch registered his 500th career victory as a head coach.

Laatsch was recognized with a ceremony ahead of the Makos’ non-area contest against the Foley Lions at home on Thursday, Dec. 5. Orange Beach Superintendent Randy Wilkes, high school principal Chris Shaw and school board president Randy McKinney were also part of a trophy presentation that commemorated the achievement.

Now in his 31st season as a coach, Laatsch was hired this offseason as the Makos’ new leader fresh off a six-year stint at Spain Park where he climbed to four wins away from the 500 mark. Orange Beach opened its host tournament with a 48-28 win over LAMP before the semifinal victory over Decatur punched a ticket to the championship game.

The Makos have used other wins over Alma-Bryant and two against Elberta to enter this week of play at 5-5 overall. Class 4A Area 1 play is set to begin on Jan. 10, 2025, against St. Michael.

Orange Beach is in its third year on the Class 4A stage after two at Class 2A. The Makos won an area title in their first varsity season to kick off a three-year playoff streak.