KAPAA — In the closing seconds, Warrior fans cheered on the home team, chanting three letters: “K-I-F!” Kapaa High School’s varsity boys basketball team defeated Kauai High, 75-65, in Tuesday’s playoff game to win the Kauai Interscholastic Federation championship. “I
KAPAA — In the closing seconds, Warrior fans cheered on the home team, chanting three letters: “K-I-F!”
Kapaa High School’s varsity boys basketball team defeated Kauai High, 75-65, in Tuesday’s playoff game to win the Kauai Interscholastic Federation championship.
“I told these boys that they work hard and they deserve it,” said Kapaa assistant head coach Bronson Bautista. “It’s been a while since this program’s been on top. It feels good to be back.”
The Warrior boys started the fourth quarter with a play that brought the crowd to its feet.
Senior forward Mosese Fifita grabbed a rebound on the defensive side and passed across court to junior forward Carson Schmick. Schmick caught the ball in the air and, while still elevated, lobbed the ball up to junior forward Saxsen Shiira who finished the play with a layup.
“We practice that all day. Believe it or not, we practice that all the time,” Shirra said.
Shiira added about winning a league championship: “That’s crazy, man. What is it, two years we lost? Three years? It feels great to put another one up there. … It feels good to be able to say I was a part of this.”
The win brought Kapaa (8-2 KIF, 4-0 2nd round, 1-1 playoff) its first KIF title since 2013.
“It solidifies a statement that we’ve said since the first year that I came to the program — We’re going to keep Kapaa (as) Kapaa,” Bautista said. “It’s something that we’re building here. We want to build a program. We have a lot to grow. We have a lot to do to get better, and we want to get better. They’re never, ever satisfied anymore.”
Kauai High (6-4 KIF, 2-2 2nd round, 1-1 playoff) started the first quarter with a 7-0 run. The opening period ended with the Red Raiders leading slightly, 16-14, despite the early run.
“Lack of defense and getting back in transition,” said Red Raiders senior guard Kaone Miguel. “It was a good season. Everyone played good — played their part. Everyone hustled.”
Miguel added about the loss: “I’m kind of disappointed, but it happens. You win some, you lose some. Hopefully, the upcoming varsity (team) got this next year.”
Kauai High was without senior forward Kekoa Tecson, who suffered a leg injury the night of the team’s last home game versus Waimea on Feb. 2.
Tecson’s brother, freshman guard Kaimani Tecson, entered the game in the fourth quarter wearing the older brother’s No. 23. The Red Raiders crowd gave an ovation upon his appearance on the court.
“Kekoa asked me if it was OK for his brother to suit up in his uniform. I thought that was an honorable thing — passing on the torch,” said Kauai head coach Ipo Yoshioka. “It’s special. Those are moments you don’t lose. Those are moments you cherish for a long time.”
Yoshioka added: “Kids, you got to be proud of them. You coach them everyday, and they respond. You come out here, and you give it the best shot defensively and offensively. I’m so proud of them. They worked hard all year. Hats off to them (Kapaa). They played a good game and stuck to their game plan.”
Shiira had a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds for Kapaa. Fifita also had a double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and a block. Junior guard Daniel Yabes had 11 points and a rebound.
Miguel was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points, five rebounds and three assists for Kauai High. Junior guard Joseph Cumlat had 11 points and a rebound. Junior guard Bryce Johnson-Cormack had nine points, six assists and three steals.
Kapaa will play in the OC16 Boys Basketball Championships – Division II state tournament, which begins Feb. 18 on Oahu.
“I think we have the tools. We’re resilient, we’re big, we’re fast, we got guards. We got it all if we can put it together,” Bautista said about going to states. “If we do, it’s going to be a hell of a ride. I’ll tell you that much.”
