WAIMEA — The KIF girls’ basketball season ended with a bang last night as the best game was saved for the final game of the 2005 campaign with Kaua‘i capturing the KIF championship last night, with a thrilling 51-46 win
WAIMEA — The KIF girls’ basketball season ended with a bang last night as the best game was saved for the final game of the 2005 campaign with Kaua‘i capturing the KIF championship last night, with a thrilling 51-46 win in double overtime over the Menehune.
The defending champion Red Raider squad utilized the ever-so-popular services of Ulu Kelekoma (20) and Rachel Taira (15), who combined for 35 of the 51 points.
“At first we started off slow, but we never gave up. We were so nervous and at times, we thought we were going to lose, but we pulled through and played with lots of heart,” Kelekoma said.
The senior guard was at it again with another complete performance, despite missing the entire first quarter.
“Ulu sat out the first quarter, because she missed a practice and that is one of our rules; if you miss practice, you sit out a quarter,” Kaua‘i head coach Dennis Aquino said.
The Menehune, who played the entire game in a box and one defensive scheme, keying on Kaua‘i sharpshooter Taira, were once again playing short handed without the likes of Josey Jacinto, Melissa Moreno, and Joanna Jacinto.
But despite the absence of three of its key players, Waimea managed to put up a tough fight, led by Moani Durant (13) and Mallorie Hepa (9), who combined for 22 points.
“Both teams played well and all of my 10 girls stuck it out and battled all the way ‘til the end and I’m just really proud of them,” Waimea head coach Elton Montemayor said.
On the other side, Aquino mentioned that now that the title is in their hands, the rest is gravy!
“I’ll tell you something about this team; when they’re down and out, you better not count them out,” Aquino said.
The Red Raider coach also said that he was extremely glad to win the title again for his three seinors (Kelekoma, Sherri Gebauer, and A.J. Silva).
“I also told them before the game to not take Waimea cheap and be ready to play the best game of your lives,” Aquino said.
After jostling back and forth in regulation, a Kelekoma drive late in the fourth gave Kaua‘i the 36-33 lead with one minute to go, but Durant rang up a three-point bomb, which sent the game into overtime.
Durant gave Waimea its first lead of the OT period with a putback, but Gebauer nailed a bucket with 25 seconds on the clock, which tied the contest up at 38. Ho‘onani Dennis’ shot at the buzzer hit the backboard and the front of the rim and the second OT period dawned on both teams.
Kaua‘i controlled the second overtime period, as Darcie Allianic’s nice pass to Dennis started things off. Taira, who was swarmed all night, managed to get loose and got the foul line for free throws, which gave Kaua‘i the 44-40 lead with just under three minutes left.
Waimea’s Chasen Sherman came alive in the second OT with four points, but Kelekoma had the answer down the stretch and secured the win and title for the Red Raiders.
“She’s the backbone of our team and she played three hard quarters and inspired the girls throughout the game, especially in times we were down, but she’s a warrior and gives 110and nothing less,” Aquino said about his senior guard.
Up next for Kaua‘i is the HHSAA State Girls Division I Basketball Tournament at the Stan Sheriff Center on O‘ahu, which runs from May 17-20.
