Paul Barba has been waiting a long time for 5:30 p.m. More specifically, Barba, a Waimea High School parent who helps with the Menehune athletic department, is waiting for 20 minutes following the end of the 5:30 p.m. contest. That’s
Paul Barba has been waiting a long time for 5:30 p.m.
More specifically, Barba, a Waimea High School parent who helps with the Menehune athletic department, is waiting for 20 minutes following the end of the 5:30 p.m. contest.
That’s when the varsity boys basketball teams take to the hardwoods for the first game of the KIF season in Waimea.
Kapa‘a, who is coming off a strong pre-season tour, travels to the Clem Gomes Gym to match up against the Menehune in the season opener.
“Who’s going to take the season?” Barba wanted to know as he watched the soccer games unfold Saturday at Hanapepe Stadium.
Following the Kapa‘a goodwill series, it’s apparent that all three Kaua‘i teams have strong varsity programs laced with returning veterans and promising newcomers and JV upgrades from the last season.
In the JV program, the big news is the addition of an Island School squad coached by Brian Inouye.
The fledgling program made its debut at the Kapa‘a goodwill series, squaring off with squads from host Kapa‘a and Kaua‘i.
Referee Peter Rayno said Island School will play exhibition games through the season, taking on whatever team has the bye.
Kapa‘a travels to Waimea tonight for the JV opener at 5:30 p.m., followed by the varsity contest.
Friday’s contest moves to the Raiderdome for Kaua‘i’s home opener against Waimea.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
