Kaua‘i Basketball returned with a third-place trophy from the NJB Hawai‘i Classic and a 2-3 record from the Maui Classic. “The experience, training and exposure the boys received will surely help each of them as they continue in school and
Kaua‘i Basketball returned with a third-place trophy from the NJB Hawai‘i Classic and a 2-3 record from the Maui Classic.
“The experience, training and exposure the boys received will surely help each of them as they continue in school and their lives,” said Karen Matsumoto, a board member for the Kaua‘i Youth Basketball Association, which sponsored the trip.
Matsumoto said the team took advantage of promotional interisland airfares to get to Maui, where they opened the Maui Classic on a winning note, beating the California team Bay Area Elite 56-51.
Chad Barba notched 17 points in that win, followed by Brendan McDaniels lending 13 and Tyrus Ceria-Lux finishing with nine.
McDaniels’ 22-point outburst was lost in an 89-56 drubbing at the hands of South Dakota in Game 2, but Kaua‘i bounced back for a 61-54 win over Lahainaluna.
Chris Newcomb led the way with 18 points, and McDaniels added 16.
McDaniels continued to sizzle with a 14-point effort in Kaua‘i’s 71-47 loss to the Maui Magic, but in a 55-51 loss to Bay Area Elite, McDaniels was held to just 6 points. Ceria-Lux topped the Kaua‘i effort in that contest with 18 points.
On O‘ahu, Kaua‘i advanced in the quarterfinals of the NJB Hawai‘i Classic as Barba notched 20 points in their 59-52 showing over the Hawai‘i Sharks.
Ceria-Lux stepped forward for 21 points against Hoops Paina, and in the third-place contest, Barba again led the scoring with 9 points.
Matsumoto said games on Maui were close and the boys came away with “unforgettable game experiences and new acquaintances to share their interests with.”
“We received positive comments about our team from referees, officials, coordinators and spectators at the NJB tournament,” Matsumoto said. “Everyone was impressed with the conduct and play of the Kaua‘i team. The boys gained fans and support throughout the tournament.”
Matsumoto said the 13th annual NJB tournament featured nine teams in the Boys 17 Under division, with most made up of players from the ILH and the OIA, including players from Iolani, Punahou, Kamehameha Schools, McKinley, Farrington, Kaimuki and Kalani high schools. A team from Kona was the only other Neighbor Island team to play.
Matsumoto said the program would not have been possible without the support of Obsessions Cafe in Waimea, Ambassadors of Aloha, the Sharing of Aloha Committee of KIUC, the Kekaha Federal Credit Union, Councilman Daryl Kaneshiro, Kaua‘i Kookies, Ventures Associates and the Auto Value Parts Stores in Kalaheo.
The father-and-son coaching trio of Ted Garma and Steven and Tab Matsumoto led the Kaua‘i boys. Calsen Agrade, Braxton Garma, Vincent Geronimo and Alden Lahip rounded out the roster.
