KAPA‘A — The Waimea High School Menehune traveled to Kapa‘a in search of its first win of the season. To that point the Menehune were 0-5 and it appeared the team was on its way to an 0-6 start as
KAPA‘A — The Waimea High School Menehune traveled to Kapa‘a in search of its first win of the season. To that point the Menehune were 0-5 and it appeared the team was on its way to an 0-6 start as the Warriors got out to a comfortable lead, however, Waimea soared back in the fourth quarter and earned itself a 36-33 come-from-behind win, notching its first of the year.
It was a rough start to the game for Waimea with multiple players missing shots from point-blank range. The missed shots led to Kapa‘a fast break opportunities, which the Warriors were able to utilize to get out to a 9-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. Meleane Moala was able to convert on a three-point play just before the end of the quarter to give Kapa‘a the six point lead.
The second quarter was the same story for the Menehune. Waimea had multiple player get to the charity stripe in the quarter but could not capitalize from the line. Meanwhile the Warriors were having success breaking the Menehune press and getting layups. It was Waimea’s inability to get the ball in the bucket, which let Kapa‘a get out to a 19-7 lead heading into the second half.
Coming out of halftime Waimea looked substantially better offensively and had moments where it looked as if the Menehune were making a run, but this time turnovers bit them and prevented them from cutting deep into the Warrior lead. Kapa‘a was able to hold on to a 27-18 lead, but with 33 seconds left in the quarter guard Diana Garcia-Aguilo suffered a knee injury, which would prevent her from returning for the remainder of the game. Garcia-Aguilo added 4 points in the game for the Warriors, but it was her ball handling Kapa‘a would miss down the stretch.
In the final frame, Waimea used some of the momentum the team built in the third quarter to make a huge run. The Menehune would be led by Paige Connelly, who led all scorers with 15 points — 10 of those coming in the fourth quarter.
Kapa‘a would suffer another huge blow in the fourth as Charlene Hanie also suffered a knee injury and was unable to return. The loss of two of Kapa‘a’s main ball handlers would go on to aid Waimea in its comeback.
The Warriors had trouble breaking the press and getting the ball past half court and Waimea took advantage of the situation scoring quickly and often.
It was with 2:08 left in the fourth quarter, with Kapa‘a holding onto a 32-31 lead, that the Menehune got the ball into the hands of Connelly and she was able to get to the rim and lay the ball in to take a 33-32 lead.
Kapa‘a’s Ariel Cummings found herself on the foul line with 1:31 left and was able to split the free throws to tie the game at 33. Once again it was Connelly who was able to get the ball in the hoop for Waimea putting her team back up by two. Waimea was able to steal the ball on the ensuing play, which eventually led to Caitlyn Owen being fouled with 9.2 seconds left. Owen split her free throws, which essentially iced the game for Waimea. Owen finished with 5 points in the game. Nicole Pilacio also added 7 to the Menehune cause.
With the win the Menehune move up to 1-5 on the season and will travel to Kaua‘i High School to take on the undefeated Red Raiders Friday.
Kapa‘a falls to 2-4 on the year and will play the Red Raiders on Tuesday in Kapa‘a.
In junior varsity action Waimea walked away with an easy 46-23 win over Kapa‘a.
• Rick Killeen, sports writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or sports@ thegardenisland.com.
