LIHUE — Kauai High’s Jim Ehia and Kaimani Tecson each scored nine points to lead the Red Raiders to a 66-44 win over Waimea Saturday night during a Kauai Interscholastic Federation varsity boys basketball game at Kauai High.
Earlier in the evening, Xaerys Dela Cruz poured in a game-high 15 points to lead the junior varsity Red Raiders to a 53-36 showing over the JV Menehune, who got eight points from Angelito Constantino-Amngala, and seven marks from Aiden Ringor in the effort.
“Everybody got to play,” said Kauai varsity coach Ipo Yoshioka. “This was good. They got in situations several times where they had to find their way out. I’m glad that happened.”
The varsity Raiders, all 16 on the roster, faced a short-sided Waimea bench with just seven players suited up, and took control early and never looked back.
“We knew this was going to be a battle to the end,” said Dino Pabre of the Waimea coaching staff. “We stayed close in the first half, but Kauai had the bodies and kept us busy with fresh legs on the floor. Our boys never gave up, and we’re proud of that. They worked hard, and the lessons they learned from this will carry them through life. This is more than just basketball. We are teachers who teach them things that will help them meet challenges they will face long after they’re done playing basketball.”
Eilon Jamorabon took the scoring lead for Waimea, netting a game-high 20 points, including a pair of treys, and a 6-8 showing at the free throw line.
Wade Pimsaguan added 16 points, including a trio from outside the three-point mark, and Mayson Broyles, critical to Waimea’s ball movement, finished with four points in the first quarter.
Kainalu Lazaro, upgraded from the JV ranks to supplement the short bench, was held to a pair in the fourth stanza.
Following the lead by Tecson and Ehia, Kauai spread its scoring between CJ Cromartie, Makana Tavita and Miles Davis, who each pocketed eight points in the win.
“This was a good experience for the boys,” Yoshioka said. “Everyone got lots of playing time and gained experience on the floor. We had the bodies, and I’m proud of how these boys played with class. This will help them later in life.”
Kauai next faces Kapaa Tuesday night at the Bernice Hundley Gym in Kapaa. The junior varsity game tips off at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity game to follow.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
