Kaua‘i cruises past Waimea 48-35

WAIMEA — The Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders were coming off of disappointing losses at the hands of the Kapa‘a Warriors. Kaua‘i desperately needed a win heading into Waimea Wednesday night. The Menehune put up a valiant effort but the Red Raiders were not to be derailed on its way to a 48-35 win.

The Red Raiders were able to take the lead early in the first quarter and never relinquished it. Waimea had moments when it would make a run, but Kaua‘i seemed to be on cruise control and was able to extend its lead whenever it chose.

Waimea was led by guard Peterson Lahip, who finished with a team high 8 points, and Duke Yadao, who added 7 points to the Menehune cause. The low-scoring totals tell the story for the Menehune, as the team was not able to string together enough buckets to crack into the lead of Kaua‘i.

On the other hand, Kaua‘i was led by Jassem Cumlat with 16 points and Mikal Moranz, who added 14 points and fantastic play inside the paint. The combination was too much for Waimea to contest with, and with the Red Raiders getting Archie Valatini back from injury, it gives Kaua‘i that much more depth.

The Red Raiders were able to narrow its deficit in the KIF standings moving up to 4-2 on the season, which sets up a very big matchup on Saturday as the first place Warriors will travel to the Kaua‘i High School gym for yet another rematch. The game will take place approximately 20 minutes after the end of the JV game.

The Waimea Menehune are still in search of its first win of the season as it drops to 0-5 and will travel to Kapa‘a to take on the Warriors on Tuesday.

In junior varsity action, Kaua‘i went on to a 47-35 win over the Menehune.

• Rick Killeen, sports writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or sports@thegardenisland.com.