KAPA‘A — The Kapa‘a High School’s boys basketball team got a standing ovation from the crowd last night as the Warriors defeated the defending Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation champions of Kaua‘i High School 67-60 at the Bernice Hundley Gym. They have
KAPA‘A — The Kapa‘a High School’s boys basketball team got a standing ovation from the crowd last night as the Warriors defeated the defending Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation champions of Kaua‘i High School 67-60 at the Bernice Hundley Gym.
They have now opened the season at 2-0.
Kaua‘i (1-1) started off with lead, like it was business as usual. The Raiders finished the first quarter ahead by seven points, 21-14. But that didn’t last too much longer when coming out of the break, Kapa‘a went on to score 12 unanswered points and quickly took command of the game.
Kekoa Prem, with an assist from Thomas Gausepohl, sunk a huge 3-pointer to get to within three points of Kaua‘i, 21-18. Prem followed that up with another pair to bring the Warriors to within one.
Kaua‘i was noticeably missing the presence of its new star player Kaleo Cummings. The former Kapa‘a player who was the team’s leading scorer in Kaua‘i’s season-opening win over Waimea was set to make his debut in Kapa‘a in a black and red jersey, was pulled before for last night’s game due to questions about his eligibility.
The Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association has specific transfer rules “to prohibit students from transferring, directly or indirectly, from one school to another school for athletic reasons,” as stated in the rules on the HHSAA Web site. However, there are five exceptions to this rule and the issue regarding Cummings is said to be resolved before the next set of basketball games this weekend.
With Kapa‘a gaining on Kaua‘i, Cody Abrigania was sent to the line with a chance for a tie, then the lead. He tied the game by sinking his first, and Kapa‘a got its first lead of the game with his second.
Kapa‘a got up to 26-21 before Kaua‘i finally got back on the boards with a pair from Austin Simao.
Kapa‘a led 35-31 by the half. Both teams maxed out on their fouls stretching the first half to 40 minutes long. Each quarter is eight minutes.
Kapa‘a would go on to lead by as many as 11 points.
Kaua‘i worked its way up and Teila Huni was able to tie the game again.
The Warriors had three players go into double scoring figures. Kekoa Colipano finished with 19 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Prem finished with points and two rebounds and Duke Pauli was the big man on the boards with 13 rebounds and 12 points.
Kaua‘i was led by Davone Florence who finished with 15 points — which included three much-needed 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. Scott Taylor followed that up with 12 points. Chad Koga and Cody Iwasaki had five rebounds apiece.
Junior Varsity: Kaua‘i 64, Kapa‘a 41
Kaua‘i’s junior varsity team got its second win last night with a 64-41 victory over Kapa‘a. The Raiders were led by Willis Batol who put up 17 points. Bryan Andres added 13 points.
Kapa‘a was led by Bradley Coloma who finished with 12 points.
