TGI Sports Correspondent LIHUE – The Kaua’i Red Raiders (4-1) raced to a fifteen point half-time lead and held off the Kapa’a Warriors 39-17 to win their third straight contest and take a half-game lead over the idle Waimea Menehunes
TGI Sports Correspondent
LIHUE – The Kaua’i Red Raiders (4-1) raced to a fifteen point half-time lead and held off the Kapa’a Warriors 39-17 to win their third straight contest and take a half-game lead over the idle Waimea Menehunes in KIF girls junior varsity action Friday evening.
Kaua’i again employed an active 1-2-2 zone to frustrate Warrior shooters and limited Kapa’a to a solitary first half field goal and 3-6 free throws while hitting six shots and 8-9 charity attempts of their own.
Raider guards Janee Correia (4 steals) and Anna Quibilan (pair of thefts) stood out defensively with aggressive play and unselfish passes to open teammates down the floor.
Freshman forward Ashley Belisario led all scorers with 9 points (including 6 in the decisive first half) and teammates Sherri Gebauer and Stephanie Kashiwabara added 5 each for the victors.
The Warriors were led by Samdi Makepas 6 points on two baskets and 2 of 4 free throw shots made. Eliza Vicoy and Tita Kuhaulua dropped in 4 apiece in a losing effort.
The Raiders have a week off to prepare for their critical third match-up (Friday, April 26) with the Menehunes. After splitting their first two meetings, Kaua’i defensive whiz Starlene Kelekoma (3 of 15 team steals in the contest) knows what needs to be done to prepare for their final meeting of the season.
“Im looking forward to Waimea. Weve got to work hard, just try our best at practice,” the astute freshman standout said while enjoying a well-deserved meal after the game. Kelekoma, who previously played at the community league level for the Puhi Wildcats, knows the value of hard work when not on offense. She stated matter-of-factly, “our defense wins games.”
Upset-minded Kapa’a (0-5) will first host the Menehunes (3-1) on Tuesday, April 23, in a 5:30 p.m. contest at the Bernice Hundley gym.
Kapa’a: Tita Kuhaulua 4, Sandy Pimental 0, Eliza Vicoy 4, Wehi Oliver 0, Rachel Boshears 0, Leah Williams 0, Theresa Taylor 2, Nani Kuhaulua 0, Pilialoha Keaweamahi 1, Mia Archuleta 0, Kaui Cutcher 0, Leilani Josselin 0, Samdi Makepa 6, Briana Conant 0, Brittany Kaui 0.
Kaua’i: Janee Correia 2, Sherri Gebauer 5, Stephanie Kashiwabara 5, Kristen Matsunaga 0, Amber Thronas 2, Anna Quibilan 4, Tori Shimabukuro 0, Ashley Belisario 9, Lindsay Sugihara 2, Starlene Kelekoma 2, Kelcie Morita 0, Ashley Silva 2, Shannon Tomacder 2, Alannah Fagarang 2, Alex Hadwin 2.
