KALAHEO — Sheryl Ann Tomas highlighted her game-high 10 points with a three-ball in the fourth quarter to lead the Kamikaze to a 28-8 win on Monday night at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
The County of Kaua‘i, in cooperation with the Kaua‘i Youth Basketball Association, launched its 2012 youth winter basketball league with two games featuring the four girls’ teams with participating students hailing from the sixth through eighth grades.
“This evening’s games are dedicated to Sam Arashiro,” said Melanie Okamoto of the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation. “Sam was the founder of the girls’ program, and the success it enjoys is because of the work he laid down to get the program going.”
Arashiro, who worked with the Department of Parks and Recreation, recently passed away.
“He had daughters in his family and wanted to have something for the girls which the boys enjoyed,” Okamoto said. “That’s how he got to work so hard for the girls basketball program. Everything you see here is because of his hard work.”
Kaulupono, coached by Bobby Kamakele, wrapped up the night with balanced scoring in its 32-11 showing over the Kaua‘i Ballers, coached by Kekoa Colipano, a former Kapa‘a High School basketball standout, for coach Willy Aki.
Kiarra Palacio, whose older siblings are leaders at the Waimea High School basketball program, topped the Kaulupono showing with eight points followed by Lauren Lagoc and Bree Ann Cayaban each adding six points.
Taegan Keep, whose height was key for rebounds, Melia Okura, the second low post, Keiki Martin and Schae Tavita all netted pairs.
Shania Kahepu‘u anchored the left low post and finished with three points with Jasmine Santella finishing with a point.
Kunani Tuttle, whose older sister Maile shares post duty with Lele Silva for the Kapa‘a JV squad, topped the Kaua‘i Ballers scoring with six points, all her buckets coming in the second half followed by Kekai Kamoku, nursing an injured finger, igniting the audience with her trey in the final period. Tori Kamoku rounded out the effort with a pair.
Following Tomas, Sandrea Chung dropped in six points with Monique Topmader, Chyna Hanano and Kaelee Esposo each netting four points for the Kamikaze, coached by Kevin Hanano.
Marissa Martinez, who along with Malyssa Manera are team managers for the Kaua‘i High School girls varsity team, topped the Team Lihu‘e scoring with four points followed by Brandee Burton adding three points and a lot of hustle.
Team Lihu‘e is coached by Max Manera.
League play continues with the 10 boys teams taking the floor later in the week.
There is no admission to view the competition.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
