The Kaua’i High School boys basketball team holds the keys to their own destiny as well as provides some options to the KIF as they host their final season home game tonight. Facing an 0-2 second round, the Raiders could
The Kaua’i High School boys basketball team holds the keys to their own destiny as well as provides some options to the KIF as they host their final season home game tonight.
Facing an 0-2 second round, the Raiders could create a three-way tie for the second round title by taking their two remaining games.
A split this week would give either Kapa’a or Waimea the second round title, and losses at their two remaining games would result in a two-way tie for the second round between Waimea and Kapa’a.
The Warriors come to the Raiderdome after their three-game winning streak was broken by a 63-50 win by the Menehune last Friday. A Warrior victory Friday would’ve given the round two title to Kapa’a.
Will the Warriors rebound to that loss?
Junnel Calpito had a strong showing in that contest with 16 points including a pair from beyond the 3-point stripe.
Nate Beralas was denied by Calsen Agrade late in the game, a pivotal play that cost the Warriors a needed momentum shift. But, Beralas was able to ignite the fans late in the game with a bomb from close to the arc enroute to an 11-point game.
Inside man Mike Lindsey was held to below 10 points by the Menehune defense, and Greg Ragsac fouled out with a 3-point showing.
Halem Medina was the strong counterpart to Lindsey in the game with rebounding and a 6-point showing.
Kaua’i’s Josh Bradbury is one of the strong pictures on the Red Raider court. Jordan Cox has rebounded from an earlier injury and poses a threat as both a shooter as well as rebound snatcher.
Add the hustle of Travis Stine, the height of Jonathan Gebauer, the inside strength of Jesse Slade and Damien Girard, and the keyring comes together.
The only question that remains is whether or not Basil Walton’s injury will have healed enough for him to join the hardwood crew.
In the JV contest, the Red Raiders will attempt to keep up with the JV Warriors who, on Friday, broke a 3-3 over-all standings deadlock with a 52-34 win over the junior Menehune.
Tipoff for the JV game is 5:30 p.m. with the varsity game to tip off approximately 20 minutes following the JV contest.
Anahola Joel Pahukula will broadcast the varsity game live on KQNG Am570.
. Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) and dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
