WAIMEA – The 2002 KIF prep varsity and junior varsity volleyball seasons get underway this afternoon as the Kauai High Red Raiders travel to the Clem Gomes Gym to take on the Waimea Menehunes. The first round schedule of league
WAIMEA – The 2002 KIF prep varsity and junior varsity volleyball seasons get underway this afternoon as the Kauai High Red Raiders travel to the Clem Gomes Gym to take on the Waimea Menehunes.
The first round schedule of league play commences with the girls J.V. match at 3:00 p.m. followed by boys J.V. play to start no earlier than 4:15 p.m. The varsity boys match is slotted to begin no earlier than 5:30 p.m. with the featured girls varsity match-up scheduled tentatively for 6:45 p.m.
COACH’S CORNER: Rally scoring and the insertion of the libero position are at least a year away from Hawaii high school courts and interpretations on ball handling are a bit looser than in the past.
The sudden ebb and flow of KIF matches is a thing to behold and the subtle maneuvering of substitutions and time outs to stem an opponents momentum has become an art form. With each team allowed a maximum of 18 subs per game without penalty and the lack this season of an overwhelming favorite, the leagues use of the 8-minute game clock is expected to have an immediate effect on contests.
The team that communicates well and can focus defensively gains an early edge tonight. The winners of the season opener look to have an advantage in first round play as players battle nerves and the change from shared half-court practice venues to having to cover a much larger defensive area.
Serving errors tend to be commonplace in the young season as players adjust to the differences in distance.
Volleyball is first and foremost a game of adjustments- offenses that keep things simple tend to be successful early but find the going a bit more difficult as coaches pick up tendencies and alter defensive schemes.
KIF volleyball action continues on Saturday as the Menehunes visit the Bernice Hundley Gym to battle Kapaa in the Warriors home opener.
Correction: In the KIF preview, it was reported that Waimea had won 30 consecutive girl’s titles. In fact, Kapa’a won the initial 1970 league title with Kaua’i High school following up in 1971. Waimea’s winning streak began in 1972 and ended in 1999.
