Kapa’a must fill a bundle of roster spots if it hopes to repeat as KIF champions Shannon Masuda’s head coaching career began just about as well as could be expected. Last year, in his first season as commander of the
Kapa’a must fill a bundle of roster spots if it hopes to repeat as KIF champions
Shannon Masuda’s head coaching career began just about as well as could be expected. Last year, in his first season as commander of the dugout, he inherited a talented, veteran bunch and directed them to Kapa’a’s first Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation baseball title in 12 years.
“It was a special run,” Masuda said.
Only, there’s this one thing he might have wished for: that his top eight players had been juniors rather than seniors. Because now they’re gone, and Masuda, along with assistants Jay Gatiuan, Dennis Bonilla and Gary Gatiuan see eight spots on the field in need of filling.
“I inherited quite a team last year,” Masuda said. “And now I’m working on convincing my guys that this doesn’t have to be a rebuilding year. We’re going out to win every game.”
The Warriors will start Saturday, when they host Waimea in a doubleheader at Ron Martin Field. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m.
Gone from Kapa’a’s roster is a solid pitching rotation that included Kaleo Lopez, Alan Mundon and Dustin Matsukawa. In their place are two of just three Warriors back for 2001 who saw any significant playing time last year. Seniors Robin Lore and Royce Rapozo will likely get a bulk of the available mound time. Those two, along with senior Kalani Miyashiro — the third returnee with experience — also will carry the co-captain title.
“Those three will be counted on to lead by example,” Masuda said. “As for the pitchers, I feel good about having those guys out there.”
The coach said he also has a lot of confidence in a sophomore slinger, Kyle Neuberger. In Kapa’a’s Ron Martin Tournament, held in early March, Neuberger beat Kaua’i 5-4 in the final game of the tourney. Masuda said the win, and the pitcher’s performance were vital.
“We were 0-3 in the tournament to that point, so we needed the win,” the coach said. “Plus, Kyle came out and showed more of what he could do.”
During the preseason, Masuda has also had the chance to see what Kaili Panui could do. The junior is perhaps carrying the Warriors’ hottest bat into the KIF season.
“He’s playing pretty well right now,” Masuda said. “It’s not like we don’t have talent out there, it’s just that we’re not experienced.”
Kaua’i High School
By contrast, there are a few veterans over at Kaua’i. Some of those players were on the Red Raiders’ roster when they won the KIF championship two years ago. They then watched Kapa’a take the title in 2000.
This year they’d like it back.
“Maybe it’s our turn now,” Kaua’i coach Kenneth Mizuo said.
If the Red Raiders are to return to prominence, it will be behind the arms of Mark Rodrigues, Scott Oshima and Levi Rapozo and in step under the guidance of clubhouse leader Kwinton Estacio.
Most notable, however, is Rodrigues. The senior has attracted the attention of Major League scouts, and throws his fastball in the low- to mid-80s. The left-hander also swings the bat well and plays a heady first base when not on the mound.
“He’s a great player,” Masuda said. “You know that anytime he takes the mound there’s a chance of a no-hitter being thrown.”
Said Mizuo, “Mark’s really come on from last year to this. He’s gotten stronger, his fastball is quicker and his control has improved quite a bit.”
Opponents will get no off-days against Oshima or Rapozo, though.
“Scott’s a very competitive player, not going to give an inch,” Mizuo said. “I feel pretty good about our pitching.”
Mizuo also said three juniors are in the pitching-rotation mix, as well as freshman Alec Reichle.
But Estacio “is absolutely the key to the ballclub,” Mizuo said.
“He’s just got this aura about him,” the coach continued. “When he’s around, the other kids respond to his presence. They listen to him.”
It doesn’t hurt the Red Raiders that such a player also mans the catcher’s position, and has one of the highest batting averages on the team.
Estacio, along with Rodrigues, Oshima and Scott Serizawa comprise the Kaua’i captaincy.
Mizuo would like to see his team ride the crest of a successful preseason into the KIF. The Red Raiders played in three tournaments, compiling an 8-3 record. They came within just a couple of runs of winning both the Ron Martin and the Waimea Invitational.
Mizuo will be assisted this year by Tom Cox and Henry Ibia.
Waimea High School
Don’t be fooled. Waimea is going to battle through every out, inning and KIF contest. But the undeniable facts may leave the Menehunes a year or so away from challenging for the championship. They finished third last season.
“Of all nine positions on the field,” head coach Kui Souza said. “I don’t have anyone who has played at that position significantly for Waimea High School.
“Let’s just say we have basically a new group so we have new things to work with.”
One of the benefits of having new, raw players, however, is the ability to see rapid improvement. Souza, in his third year as head coach after taking over the reins from his father, Walter, said he has seen that this preseason.
“We went to the Maui tournament and didn’t play very well,” Souza said. “But we really improved in our tournament.”
The Menehunes finished 1-3 at the Maui event; they were 2-2 at the Waimea Invitational. Those two victories came via impressive pitching performances. Kalailoa Taniguchi shut Leilehua out 1-0 and Chad Rita blanked Kahuku 6-0.
“Our pitching rotation isn’t set yet,” Souza said. “But we are optimistic about it.”
Names to watch for on the mound include those mentioned, as well as sophomores Clarence Aki and Mark Wideman.
As for a few recognizable names on the Waimea roster, senior B.J. Hardy is back and will be at first base; senior Kalae Mata will be in right field and senior William Rita, in his third year on the team, will be at catcher.
“The hardest thing about coaching is not the mechanics, but getting the chemistry right,” Souza said. “We’ve got to get these guys to work together as a team.”
Souza does admit, however, that certain mechanics of the game will be vital to his team this year.
“We’re going to have to manufacture runs,” he said. “We’re going to have to bunt and move the runners. Things like that.”
Souza will be assisted this year by father, Walter, as well as Vincent Nitta and John Ruiz.
Sports editor Jason Gallic at 245-3681 or mailto:kauaisports@pulitzer.net
