LIHU’E — The Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders went into Friday night’s game with a perfect 5-0 record as Kaua‘i hosted the Kapa‘a High School Warriors (2-2). The Red Raiders received its toughest test of the season, but still managed
LIHU’E — The Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders went into Friday night’s game with a perfect 5-0 record as Kaua‘i hosted the Kapa‘a High School Warriors (2-2). The Red Raiders received its toughest test of the season, but still managed to come out unscathed, winning 55-40 to remain undefeated.
The first quarter brought some good shooting from both clubs, but both also shared the ball well with crisp passing, moving the ball around the floor. The Warriors were led by Nahealani Quereto who had 4 points in the quarter and 8 points in the game.
The Red Raiders got a solid first quarter and game from Casey Anacleto, who led the way for Kaua‘i with 8 points in the first quarter, 6 of those coming from the three points line. Anacleto helped Kaua‘i get out to a narrow 15-11 lead.
The second quarter was when the Red Raiders turned the tide of the game into its favor. Kaua‘i was able to get to the free throw line often and really started to pull away from Kapa‘a. The Red Raiders also dominated on the glass, and out rebounded the Warriors in the quarter. Anacleto and Kawehi Louis-Diamond lead the Red Raiders with 15 points each, putting Kaua‘i up 33-19 after two.
Kauai‘i’s Kristle Henry was coming off a nasty fall she suffered Tuesday night in Waimea and was used sparingly in the first half, but had an impact in the second half racking up 10 points and 5 assists for the game.
Kapa‘a had a big push in the fourth quarter and at one point got the score within 9 points, but didn’t have quite enough to make the come back happen. The Warriors’ surge was led by Maile Tuttle, who led Kapa‘a with 15 points — 11 of those coming in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors also received solid play from Uilani McCabe, who had 7 points and played well on the defensive side.
The Red Raiders were often able to come away with easy buckets inside the paint thanks in part to Shaylee Huni and Rianna Ralston. Huni added 10 points to the Kaua‘i total and Ralston had 5.
With the win Kaua‘i moves to 6-0 on the season and will play Friday when the team hosts the Waimea Menehune.
Kapa‘a slides to 2-3 on the season and try to get back in the win column on Tuesday against the Menehune.
• Rick Killeen, sports writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or sports@thegardenisland.com.
