KAPAA — Two Kawaihau Community Little League teams will participate in the District 1 playoffs Aikahi Park on Oahu June 22 to 27.
Normally limited to just one team, this year Kawaihau will send both the Minors Purple all stars and the Minors Gold all stars. The teams will vie for the District 1 title, which earns the winner a berth at the Little League Hawaii Minors match in July.Kaupena Ka‘auwai, Rich Rapozo and Kiko Kanealii coach the Minors Purple all stars, which includes Eleu Keawe, Jayvin Raquel, Kahekili Lopez, Jorgen Drent, Kysen Bucao, Kaleb Panui, No‘eau McCorriston, Koapaka Brandeburg, Bryden Sugai-Salvador, Alakai Pigao-Mundon, Opa Kupa and Kala Tupou.
The coaching team of John Melchor, Aaron Kupihea and Dustin Mundon will lead the Kawaihau Minors Gold all star team, which includes Benn Haines, Noah Ibaan, Kaimana Chong, Colton Neumann, Kaitin Mundon, Kaden Itamura, Kimo Kupihea, Sammy Kauvaka, Nainoa Melchor, Matthew Estrada, Kawiki Kupihea and Zaedyn Tupou.
The teams will practice at the main diamond of the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex in Kapaa until they leave for the tournament.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
