Hanakila, Nobodies come up short

James Badua scored 17 points to lead Tropang-L to a 48-43 edge over Hanakila Friday at the Kapaa High School gym. Kevin Esteban added 11 points to the winning effort by Tropang-L in the first of three games played in the Kauai Youth Basketball Association (KYBA) 18 and Over league for men.

“We’re winding down the season, and the games are still competitive and close,” said Karen Matsumoto of the KYBA. “But only four of the seven teams in the league will make it to the playoffs, so, for some, the season will wrap up in a week or two.”

Michael Booth led the Hanakila effort with 16 points, with Kealii Colipano adding nine points and Brison Nacapuy finishing with another eight points.

Tab Matsumoto soared to another game-high performance, netting 26 points and Lance Miyashiro, the guard from the Kapaa High School program, adding 24 points as the Kings stayed ahead of Wreckage, 80-71.

Randy Vicoy topped the Wreckage scoring on 24 points with Jordan Flores adding 15 points and Kaleo Cummings ending with 11 points. In the final game, Westside Pride took a 62-59 edge over the Nobodies behind Willie Lawson’s 19 points. Kainalu Simao added 17 points, Ronnel Acantilado added 15 points and Desmond Moniz finished with 11 points in the win.

Travis Gothier topped the Nobodies’ scoring with 18 points followed by Michael Lindsey, who added a dozen marks. Matt Palaroan and Allen Calumag also finished with nine and eight points.

Two games are on tap for Friday at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center when the Kings face the Westside Pride at 6 p.m. followed by the Kauai Athletic Club taking on Wreckage in the 7 p.m. tipoff.