Kauai Ballers split in Kapaa

KAPAA — Saxsen Shiira netted a bucket and Mikela Matayoshi came up with one half of a charity pair in overtime to lead the Kapaa Ballers, Division II boys to a 43-41 edge over Team Central, Thursday night at the Bernice Hundley Gym in Kapaa.

Playing in the Kaulupono Summer Basketball League, the Division II boys, or students in grades 8 and 9, was just one of two games played in Kapaa.

Caitlyn Owen, coming off the Kauai Interscholastic Federation season for Waimea, fired up eight points to keep Waimea ahead of the Kauai Ballers Division I girls, 23-22 in a physical game that went down to the final buzzer before an appreciative audience.

Both teams, the Kauai Ballers and Waimea are coached by William Aki and Brandon Moises, respectively. These are the same coaches who were at the helm of the KIF Kapaa and Waimea high school girls teams.

Shai-Anne Abigania took the lead for the Kauai Ballers girls, firing up a balanced five points. Paea Tafea fired four points along with Pesi Paua who came up with four second-half points, rousing the audience. Tamare Daligcon-Pomaikai, wearing the same white sweatband from the KIF arena, added three first-half points.

Melissa, leading Waimea’s second rotation, finished with six points in the match where seven of the nine girls marked points.

During the opener, Shiira took the lead for the Kauai Ballers boys’ squad with 17 points followed by Morris Unutoa marking13 points, 11 dropping in the first half. Chysen Barretto added eight points and Matayoshi ended with three points, including the go-ahead overtime net.

Bryce Johnson-Comack ended the night on 14 points with Joseph Cumlat adding 11 points to lead Team Central who came from behind to force the overtime when a free throw following regulation failed to drop on the 39-39 deadlock.

Due to the community meeting on the water situation in Kalaheo, all of the Saturday matches will be played at the Kilauea Neighborhood Center and the Kapaa High School gym starting at 9 a.m.