WHERE’S THE ‘O?’

LIHU‘E — Somewhere between the opening minutes of Tuesday night’s game and the final three minutes of play, Waimea lost that ‘O’ thingie as the Menehune crumbled under the hands of the Red Raiders, 41-19.

With no offense to speak of, one spectator in the second half was overheard to say, “They’re lucky if they can hit 20 (points).”

This comes on the heels of a game when the Menehune fired a clutch buzzer beater to get past Kapa‘a last Friday night.

The game ended with the Menehune chalking up 19 points behind their most productive quarter generating seven points in the fourth frame as Malorie Hepa finally discovered the spot to be to get the feeds.

Kaua‘i, on the other hand, got off to a slow start with their only basket in the first quarter coming from Lindsay Sugihara while Waimea notched buckets by Hepa and Joanna Jacinto.

But, Ulu Kelekoma entered the arena, and following two quick buckets and a trey, got Kaua‘i on track for a 19-3 second quarter.

Kelekoma finished the night with a game-high 14 points to lead the Raiders with Rachael Taira adding nine points, six coming in their productive second quarter followed by Sugihara’s six points.

Janee Correia added four second half markers with Stephanie Kashiwabara, Valerie Aficial, Sherri Gebauer, and Farren Higley each adding in a pair.

Following Hepa, the Menehune got four from Jessica Jacinto, three coming in the third period, their second best frame, and a pair each from Moani Duante, Joanna Jacinto, and Nue Wong.

Darcie Allianic had the hot hand for the Red Raider JV who overcame a 21-18 halftime deficit to come back for a 40-35 win behind a strong full court press.

Allianic finished with 11 points with Hoonani Dennis adding eight, and Carie Inouye putting in seven.

Mei Ling Keopuhiwa finished with five and Reina Fujimoto got four before leaving with an injury.

Chasen Sherman topped the JV Menehune with eight followd by Sheila Barros and Elysse Sato each adding seven points.