Herbig sets pace for Papalina win; Hornets close season with ‘W’

Papalina-Blue’s Nate Herbig posted a game-high 18 points in a 41-32 victory over Hanakila, Wednesday night before a large crowd, which recognized the end of the county’s 11 and Under boys basketball program.

King Angelo-Blanes and Reymund Mendoza each pocketed eight points to lead the West Kaua‘i Hornets to a 30-14 win in the nightcap, the Hornets getting six points from Seaton Farias in the win.

Karen Matsumoto of the Kaua‘i Youth Basketball Association, who helps the county with scorekeeping and other chores, said the stands were filled with Hanakila fans, some of whom came from as far away as Princeville to watch the second-to-last game of the county’s league.

Coach Philip Baclayon made the trip over to Kalaheo to watch the action before adjourning to Kaua‘i High School where he watched the Kapa‘a High School boys volleyball lock up its series opener in four games.

In addition to notching points, Herbig had the height advantage to help Papalina hold on to its lead throughout the game, despite the strong fan-inspired play of the North Shore blackshirts.

Kamea Palama-Alquiza, another of the Papalina low posts, added eight points to Herbig’s lead with guards Noah Thompson and Joseph Cumlat each netting seven points in the win.

Dante Dikeman paced the Hanakila effort with a dozen points, followed by Jacob Dykehouse and Sabre Fairbanks adding 10 and four points, respectively.

The Hornets, enjoying their season finale with a win, held a 10-point lead through most of the game despite the strong encouragement put forth by the Team Central fans.

Kaone Miguel and Aiden Offley paced the Team Central effort with six points each.

One final set of games Saturday will bring the season to a close when Lihu‘e meets Team Central starting at 9 a.m. at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center. Hanakila makes the trip over from the North Shore for one last time, this time matching up against Papalina-White at 10 a.m.