Off-island teams open on winning notes

KALAHEO — Tajh Mapuhi racked up 18 points to lead Team Lihu‘e to a 31-19 win over the West Kaua‘i Hornets in the only non-tournament game, Thursday at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.

Makana Shamblin topped the West Kaua‘i Hornets with six points in the Boys 12 and Under summer league matchup, which preceded the Kaua‘i Youth Basketball Association Boys 17 and Under Invitational tournament that hosted two off-island teams.

VJ Carineo and Spam Lindsey took the lead for Lokahi with 10 and eight points, respectively in its 53-36 win over Hanakila, a young team from the North Shore, in the first of three tournament games.

Lokahi, coached by Mits Yokotake and Lew Lindsey, featured a mix of players from four of Kaua‘i’s high schools, including Canaan Higa, an Island School senior who will celebrate commencement today.

Keliikoa Baclayon and Matthew Cummings led Hanakila with seven points apiece, coach Max Manera of the victorious Team Lihu‘e noting how the young Hanakila squad was able to stay in the game with the older players.

Three of the seven Ikaika Basketball players from Honolulu had been to the KYBA invitational before, and under the direction of coach Clayton Tang, Dominique Arakaki exploded for 24 points, the highest total of the night, and Noa Wellbrock added 12 points as the O‘ahu redshirts took a 54-25 win over Waimea, which got eight points from Shosho Ogawa and seven points from guard Peterson Lahip.

Jodd Carter netted 15 points and Kainoa Kawaha added 11 points as Keaukaha, a team out of Hilo on the Big Island, took a 49-27 win over the Kaua‘i Ballers who got five points from Kainalu Simao in its effort.

The tournament continues today at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center and features the girls from mixed Kaulupono basketball teams with coaches Bobby Kamakele and Pedro Saligumba manning the food booth.