LIHU‘E — The KIF girl’s basketball season tipped off on Tuesday with the Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders hosting the Waimea High School Menehune in the season opener. The game was highlighted by the play of Red Raider Kristle Henry,
LIHU‘E — The KIF girl’s basketball season tipped off on Tuesday with the Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders hosting the Waimea High School Menehune in the season opener. The game was highlighted by the play of Red Raider Kristle Henry, who seemed to be able to get to any spot on the floor whenever she wanted.
Henry, who led all scorers with 24 points, eventually lead her team to a convincing 57-26 win over the Menhune.
The Menehune did not have an answer for Henry defensively and offensively as Henry came away with multiple steals and played swarming defense for most of the night.
The Red Raiders were also able to get some points inside the paint from Kawehi Louis-Diamond, who finished her night with 10 points and was able to get key defensive rebounds.
What hurt the Menehune more than Henry’s ability to score the ball from the perimeter was Waimea’s inability to stop her going to the hoop either in the half court set or on the fast break. The Menehune often ended up picking up fouls, which sent Henry to the foul line nine times, and she was able to convert all nine.
Offensively, Waimea struggled to put the ball in the basketball all night. The Menehune were never able to put up more than 9 points in a quarter and could not find a way to stay with the Red Raiders.
Paige Connelly led the way for the Menehune with 12 points and some solid play in the paint. She was also a factor on the boards as well as defensively inside for Waimea.
In the end, the Red Raiders offensive attack and fast break ability was too much for the Menehune to handle, which was evident early on as the Red Raider outscored the Menehune 19-6 in the first quarter.
If Henry can play at a high level all season with consistent help inside, the Red Raider may prove difficult to beat.
With the win the Red Raiders move into the win column with a 1-0 record, and Waimea falls to 0-1. The Red Raiders will now travel to Kapa‘a to take on the Warriors Friday night at the Kapa‘a High School gym.
In junior varsity action, the Waimea Menehune took down the Red Raiders 48-30.
Waimea was led by Melia Okura with 12 points and Chae-Marie Teavita who chipped in with 10.
The Red Raiders were led by Freshman Marissa Martinez, who had a game-high 20-points. Unfortunately for the Red Raiders and Martinez, the rest of the team was only able to combine for 10 points total as it fell to the Menehune.
• Rick Killeen, sports writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or sports@thegardenisland.com.
