Kapaa High School’s varsity boys basketball team lost to University Laboratory School of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu in the opening round of the OC16 Boys Basketball Championships – Division II state tournament. The Warriors fell to the Jr. Bows,
Kapaa High School’s varsity boys basketball team lost to University Laboratory School of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu in the opening round of the OC16 Boys Basketball Championships – Division II state tournament.
The Warriors fell to the Jr. Bows, 51-35, Thursday evening at Farrington High School in Honolulu.
“I think we played a well-coached team. We played a team that had five seniors that played four varsity seasons. They brought their game,” Kapaa assistant head coach Bronson Bautista said in a phone interview. “I think we just couldn’t take advantage of the opportunities that we had.”
Bautista added turnovers undid the team.
“They (University) played 100 percent within their game plan,” he said. “Being that we’re a very young team, it’s the first time we won the (Kauai Interscholastic Federation championship) in a while, it’s the first time these kids have traveled this season, nerves set in and the turnovers was what killed us.”
The team is still optimistic despite the loss, Bautista said.
“The kids believe 100 percent. They’re always in good spirits,” he said. “Our four seniors from the bench and in the game kept the team composed. We honestly couldn’t have asked for more. The experience is what is going to build this program to bigger and better things.”
Warriors junior forward Saxsen Shiira had 12 points, four rebounds and two assists against University. Junior forward Carson Schmick had six points and five rebounds.
Junior forward Radyn Kaleikini had nine points and five rebounds for the Jr. Bows. Senior guard Anson Canencia also had nine points with two rebounds and two steals.
Kapaa will play the loser between Roosevelt of the Oahu Interscholastic Association and Honokaa of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation. Results weren’t available by press time.
The consolation game is scheduled for 7 tonight at Farrington High School.
“We just want to thank everybody who keeps supporting us. Again, the season isn’t over,” Bautista said. “We want to keep coming at it. These kids are going to keep striving. They’re still upbeat. They can (win) tomorrow and still play in Stan Sheriff on Saturday.”
