KALAHEO — Coach Peter Rayno of the Lihu‘e Lakers 12 and Under boys basketball program took advantage of the winter break to get his team in shape. “This is the first time many of them are playing in any kind
KALAHEO — Coach Peter Rayno of the Lihu‘e Lakers 12 and Under boys basketball program took advantage of the winter break to get his team in shape.
“This is the first time many of them are playing in any kind of organized sport,” Rayno said while “reffing” an inter-team scrimmage Thursday at the Isenberg Park courts.
One of the low posts quickly adapted to the team concept, dropping in feeds for buckets while the opposing post snared errant attempts.
“Hopefully, they can score at least six points a game,” Rayno said, joking about the team’s ability to gel as a unit.
Rayno said the team’s makeup comes primarily from Hanama‘ulu, but he has two boys from Puhi, although several of the players were not at practice due to family travel plans and other commitments.
Six girls teams get things going on Jan. 17, and the eight boys teams open up play the following day at the Kilauea Neighborhood Center.
With the exception of the opening night games starting at 5:30 p.m., and a Saturday series on Feb. 3, all games are scheduled for the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
Gee’s Angels open the season Jan. 17 against Ha‘aheo at 5:30 p.m. Other games on tap for that night include the Kamakazes taking on Wailua at 6:30 p.m. and Kaulupono hosting the Lihu‘e Heat at 7:30 p.m.
On Jan. 18, G Unit hosts Kaulupono at 5:30 p.m., followed by Hanakila hosting Wailua at 6:30 p.m. In the nightcap, Kalaheo goes up against the Lihu‘e Hammahs at 7:30 p.m.
Throughout the season, girls play on Monday and Wednesday evenings starting at 5:30 p.m.
The boys take the court on Thursdays starting at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays starting at 10 a.m.
Teams in the Girls 12 and Under league include Ha‘aheo coached by Lenny Rapozo Jr.; Gee’s Angels coached by Cecil Gee; Kaulupono Girls coached by Bobby Kamakele; Lihu‘e Kamakazes coached by Kevin Hanano; Lihu‘e Heat with Russ Grady as coach; and Wailua coached by Talbert Tacbian.
Gee also heads up the G Unit, one of eight boys teams in the league. Other teams include Sandi Nadatani coaching the Lihu‘e Cougars; Lihu‘e Central coached by Neil Fagarang; Hanakila coached by Mike Stevens; Kalaheo with coach Dustin Gummerus; Kamakele coaching Kaulupono Boys; Lihu‘e Hammahs with coach Kaleo Perez; Lihu‘e Lakers with Rayno as coach; and Tacbian coaching the Wailua boys.
The Lakers, enjoying a short break, were looking forward to the opening and the unveiling of their team jerseys, which will be yellow and purple — the color of the Los Angeles Lakers.
