• Can the Red Raiders be stopped? Can the Red Raiders be stopped? By Duane Shimogawa Jr. – The Garden Island So far so good for the Kaua‘i High School varsity basketball squad, who passed two tests last week from
• Can the Red Raiders be stopped?
Can the Red Raiders be stopped?
By Duane Shimogawa Jr. – The Garden Island
So far so good for the Kaua‘i High School varsity basketball squad, who passed two tests last week from the Warriors and Menehune.
Billed as one of the most talented teams to come through Kaua‘i in recent memory, the Red Raiders fought through two hard battles, but in the end, the talent was just too much to handle for Kapa‘a and Waimea.
But according to Kaua‘i head coach Brandon Fujita, the team hasn’t even been playing together all at once, very often.
In fact, this past Friday’s game against Waimea was the very first time they all suited up, except for guard Lance Okasaki, who went down with an injured ankle in practice earlier in the week.
Futi Tavana, Josh Bradbury, and Jeremy Manuel are the mainstays of the squad and they will lead the team through the KIF, but if the Red Raiders are to contend for a state title this season, it will be because of their role players. Kaua‘i senior Kekoa Crowell has shown that he is capable of winning, with two straight KIF football titles, under head coach Keli‘i Morgado. Crowell definitely knows what it takes to win and he has translated that very fact, to the basketball court.
Another senior, Matt Palaroan, is the “X” factor. Palaroan, is the fuel behind the Red Raiders’ fire. He is the utility guy that does all the little things for the team. These types of individuals make the difference between a team being good and great.
Just based on size alone, senior back up center Kevin Downing is a presence inside, along with Tavana. Downing and Tavana both starred on the fifth-place in the state, Red Raider volleyball team. Both have tasted the fruits of winning and Downing will probably play a key role, just in case Tavana gets into some foul trouble.
Also, volleyball teammate and fellow senior Garrett Sakimae supplies critical minutes for the Red Raiders. Kaua‘i loses nothing when Sakimae is in the game. He hustles and is a great leader, just ask head volleyball coach and assistant basketball coach Shawn Doo. Sakimae wasn’t chosen to the state volleyball all-tournament team for nothing.
Senior guard Brandon Ballesteros is another hustler that won’t quit until the final buzzer sounds.
Like Palaroan,, Ballesteros is able to play multiple roles for the Red Raiders. He can grab boards, make a key pass, and even score. Ballesteros is best as a slasher and when the game turns up-tempo, the Red Raiders can count on Ballesteros to supply the intensity. Junior Irah Nishi is a quick and reliable point-guard that gives starter Jeremy Manuel much needed rest towards the end of periods, 1-3.
Sophomore Jordan Cox has proved his worth so far and will see more playing time as the season goes along. Cox has the height and versatility to play anywhere from shooting guard, to small forward, to power forward. Look for him to improve throughout the season.
All in all, the Red Raiders are a deep team, capable of going 10 deep. All of the starters have capable replacements, so head coach Brandon Fujita must provide the right mix of players on the court to get to that next level.
And last but not least, it could be a very special season for the Red Raiders, if they play together as a team. The collection of players they have will only flourish if they become unselfish and think like a team.
