KAPA’A — Move over Waimea, here comes Kapa’a, who edged Kaua’i last night 63-60 in overtime to take a commanding 2-0 second round lead in the KIF. The Warriors, who haven’t won in the last two seasons, have ripped off
KAPA’A — Move over Waimea, here comes Kapa’a, who edged Kaua’i last night 63-60 in overtime to take a commanding 2-0 second round lead in the KIF.
The Warriors, who haven’t won in the last two seasons, have ripped off three straight wins this year.
Nate Beralas had the hot hand once again and finished up with his second 20-point performance in as many games.
Beralas came up big in the overtime session, scoring seven of his game-high 21 points when it counted the most.
Kaua’i led early on and jumped out to a 23-21 half-time advantage, thanks to Josh Bradbury’s nine points. Beralas put up seven first half points for the Warriors.
The contest heated up in the final quarter as Kaua’i’s Tyrus Ceria-Lux canned a three-point bomb to tie the contest up at 53 with just under 40 seconds to go.
Kapa’a mishandled its last possession, but Kaua’i’s attempt to win the game came up short, as Bradbury’s shot rimmed out.
In the extra session, the Red Raider senior guard nailed an early bucket, but Kapa’a took control the rest of the way, with Beralas leading the way.
Bradbury soared in a three-pointer with a few seconds to go in the overtime period, which kept Kaua’i’s hopes alive, but Junnel Calpito shut the door on the Red Raiders with two big free-throws.
Kapa’a moves to 2-0 in the second round and Kaua’i drops to 0-1. Idle Waimea, the first round champs, is 0-1 and travels to the Raiderdome on Tuesday to face Kaua’i in a crucial matchup.
Besides Beralas’ 21, Kapa’a was paced by Mike Lindsey (12) and Greg Ragsac (15). Ceria-Lux added 16 in the losing effort and Jordan Cox added 12 points for the Red Raiders.
In the JV game, Kapa’a topped Kaua’i 76-50 behind 27 points from Kekoa Prem, who sank four treys. Kaua’i was led by Micah Alayvilla and Kupa Graycochea. Kapa’a improved to 3-3 and Kaua’i dropped to 2-3. Waimea, who battles Kaua’i on Tuesday, is 3-2.
