KALAHEO — Though it wasn’t going to change the outcome, Jed Ragudo provided some closing drama, Tuesday at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
After being frustrated by the Kaua‘i Ballers, Ragudo launched a bomb in the final gasps of the Boys 14 and Under basketball game.
The sphere swished through the twine just as the buzzer sounded, pushing Ragudo to the scoring leader spot of the Hanakila A team, but more importantly, breaking the stagnant scoreless streak against the hard-pressing Kaua‘i Ballers.
Ragudo finished with four points to lead the Hanakila A effort in its 53-9 loss at the hands of the Kaua‘i Ballers.
Rashaan Kuhaulua, being held scoreless on the outside, broke the curse and launched a three-ball in the fourth quarter to finish with three points. A first-quarter pair from Angelito Roslin accounted for the North Shore boys’ offense.
Matthew Cummings, in the earlier game of the Kaua‘i Youth Basketball Association 14 and Under Boys summer league, ended with 14 points to lead Hanakila B to a 45-19 win over Westside Basketball.
Mark Abalos, playing aggressive defense in the paint and grabbing rebounds for the blueshirts, topped the Westside effort with seven points, followed by Christian Acob roving the arc to finish with five points, including a trey in the third period.
Strong guard Briggs Agu added four points and Darrin Sagucio added three in the Westside effort that wouldn’t die despite Hanakila B pulling to a 22-10 halftime lead.
Following Cummings’ lead, Justin Apilado, the big man underneath, and Marlon Cudiamat added eight points apiece. Denmark Aladin finished with six points, including a three-ball in the final stanza, James Stevens added five points and guard Keliikoa Baclayon, key to moving the ball out of defensive traffic in the paint, added four first-half points in the win.
Kaua‘i Ballers wasted little time scoring, holding Hanakila A to a 13-2 first stanza and pulling ahead 29-4 at the half.
Leevi Bethel triggered the offense with 10 points, followed by Junard Mata adding nine points. Morean Clement added eight, Brooks Bethel and Makana Aki each dropped seven points. Willard Batol, his brother Willis watching from the stands, and Steven McCabe, strong in the paint, each chipped in six points.
The boys next take to the court Monday with three Boys 12 and Under games on tap starting at 6 p.m. at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
Westside Basketball opens against Team Central, followed by Hanakila taking on Papalina starting at 7 p.m. The nightcap pits the West Kaua‘i Hornets against the Kaua‘i Ballers starting at 8 p.m.
