It took three overtimes to decide the Kaua’i/Waimea first round KIF basketball finale last night and after the confetti settled, the Menehune hung on for the 72-67 win and remained undefeated at 4-0. Although the game had no bearing on
It took three overtimes to decide the Kaua’i/Waimea first round KIF basketball finale last night and after the confetti settled, the Menehune hung on for the 72-67 win and remained undefeated at 4-0.
Although the game had no bearing on the first round standings, both teams fought until the end, as if the title was on the line.
The game also turned out to be a duel between senior guards, Josh Bradbury of Kaua’i and Brendan McDaniels of Waimea.
Bradbury ended up with a game-high 34 points, but in the end, McDaniels came up with the big buckets down the stretch, totaling a team-high 31 points.
The contest was close from the second half on, as McDaniels connected on a drive, while being fouled, which put Waimea ahead 48-45, after sinking the free throw.
However, Bradbury came up with the biggest three-pointer of his career at the buzzer, which sent the contest into overtime.
Both squads wrestled back and forth, with Bradbury and McDaniels matching basket for basket, as the game went into a second over-time, with the scored tied at 52-52.
The two guards continued to surge in the second overtime, but after the buzzer sounded, the score was knotted up at 60-60.
Waimea took control in the third overtime session and never looked back, as McDaniels put the finishing touches on a spectacular night, for the 72-67 victory.
Chris Newcomb added 17 points for the Menehune and Chad Barba contributed with 10 points.
Tyrus Ceria-Lux chipped in with 14 points for the Red Raiders.
In JV action, Kaua’i dominated, 54-41 and tied the first round standings up at 2-2 with both Waimea and Kapa’a.
Once again, Micah Alayvilla led Kaua’i with 17 points. He was followed up by Aric Cansino (13), Teila Huni (8), and Kupa Graycochea (8).
Waimea was paced by Micah Moriwake with nine points. Claresson Torres, Kaimana Girod, Daniel Lizama, and Saui Matagiese each put up six points for the Menehune.
The KIF’s second round of basketball begins on Tuesday, with Waimea hosting Kapa’a.
