Kauai Ballers overtake #Ballout in women’s hoops

KALAHEO — Kauai Ballers’ Lauren Claypoole dropped a bucket at the halftime buzzer Sunday night at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.

The buzzer beater pulled Kauai Ballers to a 24-23 edge over #Ballout after recovering from an early 10-0 deficit.

Despite the strong pressure exerted by #Ballout, the Kauai Ballers, led by Jessi Aki, former Kapaa High School guard and currently playing in college, went on to post a 49-45 win.

Offensively, following a slow start, the Kauai Ballers outgunned the #Ballout, getting 19 buckets to #Ballout’s 12. #Ballout tried to make up the difference from the outside, launching five treys to the Ballers’ three, but came up short.

Lauren Claypoole, an Island School alumnus currently playing college ball, topped the Kauai Ballers’ with 14 points followed by Aki with 11 points, including a three-ball in the first quarter.

Joy Claypoole, currently an Island School student, fired off a trey in the fourth quarter to end with seven points along with Reggie McCabe who also dropped a three-ball in the opening frame.

Natalie Mata, firing off three treys in the final period rally, topped the #Ballout with a game-high 19 points followed by Casey Anacleto netting 16 points. Low post Cherisse Rapozo added six points.

Kristle Henry, a recent Kauai High School graduate, topped the Team 808’s 45-20 win over Meatballs with a game-high 19 points.

Joining Henry in the Team 808 scoring roster, sisters Erin and Paige Connelly added six points apiece in the win.

Virginia Aguilar and Robyn Hoopii-Manuel, the Meatballs’ player-coach, topped the Meatballs’ scoring with six points each.

The women next take the court on Sunday at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center when the Meatballs meet the Kauai Ballers starting at 6 p.m. followed by #Ballout taking on Team 808 at 7 p.m.