LIHU‘E — With talent coming out of their ears, the Kaua‘i High School varsity basketball squad looks to do something that hasn’t been done in KIF basketball history — a state title. But before that, the Red Raiders must win
LIHU‘E — With talent coming out of their ears, the Kaua‘i High School varsity basketball squad looks to do something that hasn’t been done in KIF basketball history — a state title.
But before that, the Red Raiders must win the KIF and sift through two tough squads in Kapa‘a and Waimea, who won’t lay down the red carpet for the Red Raiders.
“Kapa‘a is my alma mater and I’m familiar with the kids, plus they have great athletes, so it’s going to be a dogfight,” Kaua‘i High School head basketball coach Brandon Fujita said.
The Red Raiders picked up great experience from one of the best pre-season basketball tournaments in the country, The Iolani Classic. Kaua‘i lost big in the first round to Male of Kentucky, but bounced back to win its next two of three, which included victories over the OIA’s Kalaheo and McKinley.
“Male is a great team and we learned a lot from them, but the Iolani Classic as a whole was a great experience for us,” Fujita said.
The Red Raiders also nearly got a win over the BIIF’s Hilo, but the Vikings and all-state preseason pick Aukai Wong made the big plays in the end.
Kaua‘i features 10 seniors, five juniors, and one sophomore. Kaua‘i will rely heavily on senior starters, Futi Tavana, Jeremy Manuel, Josh Bradbury, Kekoa Crowell, and Matt Palaroan.
Tavana is coming off a terrific volleyball campaign and looks to continue his dominance on the KIF hardwood in basketball. However, Manuel, a transfer from Waimea, could make the biggest impact on the team this season.
Last year’s KIF player of the year has shown that he can score as well as pass the ball and the Red Raiders will do well if Manuel can do both.
“We’ve got a good crop of kids that are willing to work hard and we’ve also got good parents,” Fujita said.
Kaua‘i will put on the pressure this year with full-court and half-court presses, but don’t be surprises if the ball touches Tavana’s hands more than 20 times a game.
“I wish Phillips (Kapa‘a coach) and the Montemayor’s (Waimea coaches) the best, it’s definitely going to be a battle,” Fujita said.
Although on paper, the Red Raiders look like the team to beat, Fujita is quick to give props (recognition) to the defending champion Menehune squad.
“The road to the KIF title this year goes through Waimea, they are the one’s at the top of the hill,” Fujita said.
Assisting Fujita are Shawn Doo and Kevin Medeiros. Kaua‘i’s roster includes seniors Garrett Sakimae, Brandon Ballesteros, Lance Okasaki, John Penn, Kevin Cadiente, and Kevin Downing, juniors Irah Nishi, Chad Nonaka, Clesson Lee, and Jessie Slade. Jordan Cox is the only sophomore on the squad.
