Ian Clements netted a dozen points, while Olin Claussen and Trent Thompson each scored 11 points to lead the Kalaheo Stars to a 51-31 edge over Tropang-L as the Kaua‘i Youth Basketball Association opened the first night of its 18 and Over (to age 35) league, Friday at the Kaua‘i High School gym.
Micah Bermoy finished with 13 points and Ian Khan added 10 points to lead Team 1, coached by David Medeiros, to a 49-39 edge over Manny Sports in the nightcap.
Kekoa Prem, former Kapa‘a High School standout and one of the Warrior coaches, finished with a game-high 16 points to lead Manny Sports.
Manolito Pescador added nine, Spam Lindsey, a Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation All-Star forward for Kapa‘a, finished with six points. Kalima Leong netted three with pairs from Matt Lindsey and Canaan Higa, an Island standout during the KIF. Bronson Bautista rounded out the effort with a digit.
Kyle Pigao launched a trey and added two buckets for seven, while Clareson Torres added six points. Jed Balmidiano and Paul Oligo finished with four and two points, respectively, in the win.
Braxton Garma added nine points, including a final period three-ball and Tab Matsumoto finished with eight points to join the three Kalaheo Stars scoring leaders. Dayton Bayot rounded out the win with four points, all coming in the second period.
Ian Nerida, Jay Serapin and Romulo Punzalan each netted 10 points to lead the Tropang-L effort with Regie Punzalan finishing with four points.
Karen Matsumoto of the KYBA said the new league is co-sponsored by the County of Kaua‘i with just four teams participating.
She said there were not enough teams to form a girls 18 and Over league, but will attempt again during the summer when more girls are home from college.
Manny Sports will open the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center, Tuesday against Tropang-L starting at 6 p.m. with the Kalaheo Stars meeting Team 1 starting at 7 p.m.
Manny Sports is coached by Bronson Bautista, Tropang-L is coached by Jr. Punzalan, Tab Matsumoto coaches the Kalaheo Stars and David Medeiros coaches Team 1.
