When all their bags have been checked-in and they set foot on the airplane, that’s when the mission begins for the Kaua‘i High School basketball squad. “I told the boys that it’s time to get down to business as soon
When all their bags have been checked-in and they set foot on the airplane, that’s when the mission begins for the Kaua‘i High School basketball squad.
“I told the boys that it’s time to get down to business as soon as we get on that airplane,” Red Raider head coach Brandon Fujita said.
The undefeated KIF champs face a familiar foe, tonight at 5:45 pm., in first round action of the HHSAA/Hawaiian Airlines Boys State Basketball Championships at the Neal Blaisdell Arena.
Kaua‘i romped the Mustangs in the Iolani Prep Classic earlier this season, but according to Fujita, it’s going to be a tough test against the ever-so-tough Kalaheo squad.
“We have to protect against being over confident and this isn’t the same team that we faced back in December, but we’re aren’t the same team as well,” Fujita said.
If the Red Raiders get past Kalaheo, the three-time defending state champion Iolani Raiders await them in the quarterfinals. Iolani is also the top seeded team in this year’s tournament.
Also, according to the HH-SAA, Raider head coach Mark Mugiishi is the only head coach in this year’s field to have won a state title. Mugiishi has won five championships (1994, 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2004).
On the other hand, Kaua‘i has yet to win a state title and the Red Raiders are looking to get that elusive first championship for The Garden Isle. “We’re going up there to win a state title or at least try to win one and that’s our main focus,” Fujita said. Despite the tough road, the Red Raiders are well-rested with their two week layoff.
“We got to scout, make adjustments, and implement them in practice, plus our legs are fresh,” Fujita said of the two week absence of games.
Kaua‘i has 10 seniors and for them it’s their first and last chance at a state title run.
“We’re an older team, a senior dominated team, so it’s do or die for most of these guys,” Fujita said.
Senior center Futi Tavana, who suffered from a calf injury during the season is back at 100 His presence in the middle will be the focal point to the Red Raider attack.
“Futi is as ready as he’ll ever be, he’s hungry for the challenge,” Fujita said. Senior guard Jeremy Manuel is the most underrated guard in the state. Manuel is also the only Red Raider who has been to the state tournament. Last season, Manuel led the Menehune to the state championships, but isn’t satisfied with the first round loss from a year ago.
Junior guard Josh Bradbury is a sharp-shooter, who can turn it on at any point of the contest. Bradbury will have to be on if the Red Raiders are to go far at states. Senior forward Kekoa Crowell has seen state tournament play, while quarterbacking the two-time defending KIF champion Red Raider football squad. Crowell is tough in the paint and will need to continue to be a crude customer in the middle. The only Red Raiders not heading up to O‘ahu are seniors Kevin Cadiente and Lance Okasaki.
