Tough night for Kauai clubs in tourney

KALAHEO — Two of the three Kauai teams fell in the opening day of the 6th Annual Kauai Invitational basketball tournament hosted by the Kauai Youth Basketball Association (KYBA) on Thursday night at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.

Chad Barba was held to just five points as the Westside Hornets’ 14 Under boys team was shocked by the Kaimuki NJB Hawaii squad 86-17 in the opening bout, Kaimuki being led by Kyle Pope who dropped in 20 points for the win.

Hot Sauce Kauai, playing against Ikaiki, a travelling team from Kaimuki, kept Kauai in the race by taking a 60-23 victory over Ikaika with Futi Tavana leading the charge from inside, posting 24 points in the win. Randy Cummings and Matt Gochenoner each netted six points for Ikaika in the loss.

Sam Chung and Matt Palaroan each bucketed four points to lead the Lihue Five-O, but that fell short as the Makakilo Knights, getting supplimental help from Kapili Akau, turned to Jeff who posted 14 points in their 38-17 showing against Lihue.

Former Kauai resident Ken Tangjian, coach of the Puuloa Bandits, spent the greater part of two games mingling through the crowded neighborhood center, re-uniting with friends as well as getting a feel for the arena, but in spite of getting help from Akeem Allen, the Puuloa Bandits fell to the quick-moving, taller Kona Tigers 75-26 in the final game of the evening.

Allen’s prescense proved to be an asset for the Bandits, leading their effort with 10 points coming from the inside post position.

Kyle Teves led the Tigers’ charge with 17 points in the victory.

The tournament continues through Saturday afternoon with the championship game tipping off at noon featuring the winners of the final two Friday evening games, the first pitting Kauai Hot Sauce against the Tigers and the second featuring Kaimuki NJB Hawaii taking on the Makakilo Knights.

The vanquished of these two games will battle for third place honors starting at 11 a.m. today.