KALAHEO — Kaulupono churned up 13 of its 19 points in the second half, but came up short, 25-19, against Team Lihu‘e in the first of two Girls 13 and Under Parks and Recreation Dept. Winter Basketball League games, Wednesday
KALAHEO — Kaulupono churned up 13 of its 19 points in the second half, but came up short, 25-19, against Team Lihu‘e in the first of two Girls 13 and Under Parks and Recreation Dept. Winter Basketball League games, Wednesday at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
Clarissa Yadao topped Westside Basketball with eight points to stay in control over the Kaua‘i Ballers, 27-12 in the nightcap.
Kaulupono chipped back from a 12-6 deficit with a 3-2 fourth period behind low post Melia Okura’s bucket, her first pair toward her game-total five points, all dropping in the second half.
But Team Lihu‘e, under the coaching of Max Manera, roared back in the fifth frame, paced by guard Marissa Martinez and low post Riana Ralston who anchored the right slot with rebounds and putbacks.
Kaulupono put on its final surge in the sixth period, outscoring Team Lihu‘e 10-1 behind a 4 for 5 showing at the foul line from Kiarra Palacio, whose older sister Nicole and older brother Brandon, were helping at the scorers’ table, two key members of the Waimea High School basketball program.
Martinez, strong guard for Team Lihu‘e, finished the night with eight points while Ralston ended with seven marks. Malyssa Manera rounded out the leaderboard with four points.
Kiarra and Okura topped the Kaulupono effort with six and five points, respectively with Schae-Marie Tavita adding four points.
Balanced scoring from Alyssa Miyamoto and Brandee Burton put the Westside Basketball in control over the Kaua‘i Ballers in the opening frame, both girls netting buckets for the team coached by Neil Pigao.
“I get to be a spectator and enjoy the game,” said Dino Pabre, coach of the Westside Basketball Boys 13 Under team who took up a spot on one end of the Westside bench.
Clarissa Yadao iced the Westside win, netting six points in the final period en route to her game-total eight points.
Junnel Tolentino finished with five points, including the only three-ball, all dropping in the third frame, and Burton rounded out the leaderboard with four points.
Shai-Anne Abigania topped the Kaua‘i Baller scoring with four points followed by Ariel Cummings, power guard, and Kunani Tuttle, anchoring the right post, adding three points apiece.
The girls next take the floor at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center, Saturday with two games on tap starting at noon when Westside Basketball will tangle with the Kamikaze.
That game will be followed by the Kaua‘i Ballers meeting Team Lihu‘e starting at 1 p.m.
