Nineteen players, four coaches, and a bunch of PioPio Bear parents wrapped up their goodwill basketball games, Monday at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center against the Westside Hornets in the 14 Under division, and a special mixed team against the Gee’s
Nineteen players, four coaches, and a bunch of PioPio Bear parents wrapped up their goodwill basketball games, Monday at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center against the Westside Hornets in the 14 Under division, and a special mixed team against the Gee’s Angels.
Coach Dennis Onishi of the Bears noted that this exchange program dates back a long time, and on their visit hosted by Waimea, the girls all got tee-shirts, and Onishi got to reminise with coach Pedro who was one of the first Kaua‘i coaches to bring players to the Big Island.
“Those girls from Kaumakani have all graduated high school, already,” Onishi said.
Since then, he has helped coordinate a lot of other teams from Kaua‘i including Wailua and Lihu‘e.
Onishi said this was the first trip to Kaua‘i for a lot of the girls so their weekend agenda was filled with activities other than basketball as they took in the bon dance as well as bowling on Saturday following their three-game series at Kaua‘i High School.
“They’re getting better,” Onishi said. “Especially, the younger ones.”
“We’re missing our point guard so the girls are having a problem moving the ball inside,” coach Kevin noted, his coaching being of the 8-year-olds in Hilo.
PioPio Bears making this trip included Barrilyn Kamalii, Krystal Christian, Chelsie Kualii, Jessica Rocha, Amber Allen, Kourtnie Rodrigues, Brianna Nathaniel-Kaiwa, Chynna Quintos-Maikui, and Amiee Mori on the 12 Under team.
Taryn Yokota, Layna Christian, Khailee Tomas-Miyashiro, Kaylyn Otsubo, Cheya Kaeo, Maria Gacula, Jaslynne Patnande, Leilani Tuani, and Jenequa Benavente made up the 14 Under squad.
The PioPio Bears wrapped up their Kaua‘i experience by attending the Kaua‘i Hospice “Concert in the Sky” before leaving, today.
