WAIMEA Though coaches preach that fundamentals win ball games, sometimes the difference between winning and losing can be as random as simply being in the right place at the right time. Akeem Allen powered in the game-winning basket as time
WAIMEA Though coaches preach that fundamentals win ball games, sometimes the difference between winning and losing can be as random as simply being in the right place at the right time.
Akeem Allen powered in the game-winning basket as time expired to lift the Waimea Menehune junior varsity squad to a dramatic 41-39 victory over the Red Raiders Tuesday night at Clem Gomes.
Fueled by Jeremy Manuel’s quick start (4 points) and a tenacious 2-3 zone defense, the Menehunes jumped out to a 7-4 first period lead.
Sophomore Casey Kaohelaulii exploded for 9 of Waimea’s 11 second quarter points to put the Menehunes ahead 18-9 at the half.
Employing a full court zone, the Raiders came storming back after the break. Jon Smith (8 points) and Tab Matsumoto combined for three downtown treys and Raider thefts helped propel the visitors to a 23-6 advantage (and their biggest lead) in the third frame.
Finding freshman post sensation Futi Tavana often triple-teamed underneath, Raider marksmen suddenly struggled from the perimeter in the fourth as Manuel’s rainbow from beyond the arc cut the lead to 34-31 at the 6:08 mark. Following a Kauai turnover, John Palacio found an open Allen underneath to trim the lead to one.
A Kevin Cadiente charity toss and Tavana put-back placed the Raiders up 37-33. Matsumotos textbook give-and-go basket was answered by Andres Emayos only points of the evening.
Manuel’s lay-in brought Waimea within a bucket and his 12-foot jumper with :55 to play knotted the contest at 39-39.
Kaohelaulii soared to swat a Tavana try on the next Raider possession and, following a Raider miss, the Menehunes called time to set up a final scoring opportunity for Manuel and provide last second heroics for the steady Allen.
Manuel and Kaohelaulii shared a game-high 13 points each while Tavana again led his Raider squad with 9 points.
“This win gave us a lot of confidence,” Head Coach Elton Montemayor beamed, “Coming back from eight down (32-24 at the end of three periods) was huge. Manuel (7 tallies in the final quarter) and Allen (with 8 second-half points) hit big shots. If our players can keep their heads on straight and remain focused the remainder of the season, well be all right.”
“Three games to go take em one game at a time”, preached assistant (and proud father) Glenn Montemayor to his young charges before departing.”
