It’s been wild and strange early on for several KIF girls basketball teams in the early portion of the 2003 schedule. First on Tuesday, the Kaua’i and Kapa’a girls teams competed in a contest that played out like a roller
It’s been wild and strange early on for several KIF girls basketball teams in the early portion of the 2003 schedule.
First on Tuesday, the Kaua’i and Kapa’a girls teams competed in a contest that played out like a roller coaster ride.
The Red Raiders appeared out of sorts early on trailing 10-2. Kaua’i then turned it around in the second quarter to close Kapa’a’s lead to two points. In the third period, the Warriors again pulled away for a five-point edge heading to the final quarter.
Early in the final eight minutes of action, Kapa’a enjoyed an 11-point lead.
Then the Red Raiders, on the strength of some deft outside shooting, clawed back into the contest.
However, Kapa’a did enough to hold on for a 38-35 win.
The Warriors resembled a completely different squad than the one that dropped its first KIF game of the season to Waimea on March 28.
In that game, Kapa’a never really was in it in losing a 59-23 decision.
This Kapa’a team played well at both ends of the floor against a Kaua’i team that also lost a tough battle to Waimea in its first conference game of the season (32-29 on March 25).
In that game, the Red Raiders led for three quarters before a 15-3 spurt gave the Menehune the win.
So far, all three girls basketball teams have shown tremendous resolve.
It will be an interesting second portion of the KIF schedule.
Aki, Oketani, Cremer pound KIF pitching
Despite the pitching success of Kaua’i hurler Alec Reichle (3-0 record) and Waimea’s Michael Yaris, the Red Raiders’ and Menehune’s success early this season has been the productivity in the middle of their respective lineups.
Kaua’i and Waimea continue to make opposing pitchers work deep counts.
When runners get on base, Jake Oketani and Clarence Aki have made them pay.
Aki singled twice against Reichle in the Menehune’s 5-2 loss on Wednesday while Oketani singled, doubled and drove in a run for the Red Raiders.
Despite going winless in its first three KIF contests, the Warriors also have had success on offense with catcher Tyson Cremer leading the charge.
Cremer has been on a tear lately.
On Saturday, Cremer wasn’t retired in going 3-for-3 with a double and triple in Game 2 of the doubleheader.
The hitter that continues to deliver for his team may help decide the champion of the KIF.
Surf event begins Saturday
The H.S.F/YMCA Kaua’i No. 5 surfing competition will take place at Pine Trees beginning on Saturday at 8 a.m.
Surfing check time is 8:45 a.m. The event is sponsored by Hanalei Surf Co./Back Door.
The divisions of competition are the Menehune 11 and under, Boys 12-14, Junior Men 15-17, Men’s Open 18-24, Girls 17 and under, Boys Bodyboard 14 and under, Junior Bodyboard 15-17, Senior Bodyboard 18 and over, Masters 25-34 and Senior Men 35 and over.
The contest entry fee is $20 for H.S.F. members and $30 for non members.
For more information call, 338-1952.
