The only thing that first-year coach Merrill Carvalho knows about his team’s chances this year is that they are young, fun, and want to shake things up in the KIF boys volleyball world.
The Warrior coach came into the season thinking he’d inherit a squad that would just improve on last year’s dismal, 1-7 record. However, after seeing the type of talent that blossomed, Carvalho now thinks his team has the chance to contend for the KIF title.
“We’re pushing to win the KIF title just like the other teams and I really hope the boys do well and just have fun,” Carvalho said. Junior Chris Ramelb anchors the squad as the starting setter and with Kiah Imai and Alika Woodward’s help, the Warriors should give Waimea and Kaua‘i headaches all season long.
Kaua‘i High School has brought back a lot of the talent from last year and should be the front-runner as the season begins. Futi Tavana, stands at 6’8″ and has gotten stronger and faster in the off-season. Combine that with Garett Sakimae, Cody Bonilla, Kaleo Baxter, and Kevin Downing and you have the makeup of a championship squad. Head coach Shawn Doo says that it’s anyone’s game and even though the Red Raiders are favored, it’s still going to be an interesting season.
“For some reason on Kaua‘i, the teams favored going into the season are always played tough and you can never tell,” Doo said. Knocking on the Red Raiders’ door is coach Bobby Kamakele and 3-time defending KIF champion, Waimea High School squad. The Menehune have always fielded tough volleyball squads under Kamakele and this year shouldn’t be different. Although small, the team should be in every game and should challenge for every set. “We don’t have the talent that Kaua‘i High has, but if we limit our mistakes, we should be fine,” Kamakele said.
Heading up the Menehune squad are Bryan Hayashi (team captain) and all-around player Josh Cabral. Kaua‘i High School’s team features Jeivin Decosta-Mararagan, Cody Bonilla, Irah Nishi, Michah Young, Kaleo Baxter, Clesson Lee, Garrett Sakimae, Justin McSheehy, Rikki Garma, Ryan Nagaoka, Kevin Downing, and Futi Tavana. Head coach Shawn Doo, assistants, Lorna Tresler-Basquez, Kenji Quinones, and Jacque Inouye. Managers: Kelcie Kawamura, Brad Sato, and Edie Shigemoto.
Waimea High School’s squad include Bryan Hayashi, Josh Cabral, Timmy Mattos, Chris Aguilar, Peterson Dela Cruz, Kollin Morikawa, Froilan Tyler, Anson Acain, Kyle Pigao. Head coach Bobby Kamakele, assistant coach Sunshine Kuhlman, managers Meagan and Lynnell Wright.
Kapa‘a High School’s roster features Chris Ramelb, Kiah Imai, Winston Ouye, Lyndon Pascual, Nate Berales, Angelo Luna, Henry Borges, Greg Ragsac, Raymond Chevlin, and Daniel Rodrick. Head coach Merrill Carvalho, assistant coaches Leroy Kaona and Michelle Carvalho. Managers Tierny Waialeale, Bryn Hashimoto, and Tayni Hashimoto. The action heats up today with Kapa‘a High School traveling to the Raiderdome to face Kaua‘i High School starting at 3 p.m. with JV games and varsity to follow.
