There was a big reason for that. We're just not used to the forearm on us as we handle the ball, and Lanakila did this well. As a coach, I've always instructed our guys to move their feet, get in position and keep all hands off.
This worked against us today with a pair of officials who called the game like a rugged high school game. They were fair in the sense that they called the same game both ways. But unlike just about every age-group official I've seen for the past three years, they allowed the forearm shiver action, and we were just not prepared for that — especially with Kyle gone for the day (church).
In the end, it's about coaching and preparing our guys for any scenario. What I learned from talking with both officials, as well as Lanakila's coach, is that 1) we need to be able to adjust and use the same forearm "ride" in our man-to-man defense when officials allow it, and 2) I have to teach all our guys to play on-ball defense both ways.
There's hands-off on-ball defense, which I've found necessary because age-group referees are usually by the book about hand checking of any kind (hands, forearms, etc.). Then there's today's situation, when we really could've done the same thing to Lanakila. If we had, we probably would've changed the entire game. They weren't stronger than us. They just took advantage of the situation.
It's a painful, but useful lesson for me as a coach. Kali‘a's absence was a definite factor. He was a force inside against Lanakila, but when his heart condition flared up, he sat down for the rest of the tournament. I don't know if he'll be back any time soon, but I like him. He's a quiet guy with great basketball IQ, can score inside with either hand and hit the open 3. But health is top priority. Get well soon, Kali‘a!
The 13U came back in the third-place game and beat the Sharks 43-34. It wasn't easy. We were tired, the Sharks hit a lot of open shots, and we had to work really hard to push the lead to double digits in the second half. Their coach is my brother's bro-in-law, and their hot-shooting point guard, Kai, is his son. Kai would've played with us (as well as Jalen, their lefty slasher) if they hadn't put a team in the 12U league and this 13U tourney.
We've learned one thing for sure: facing against 12U competition is a lot different from 13U competition. But everybody embraced the challenge and we did pretty well, 4-1 overall in the tourney. I feel good about every game; we'll learn a lot. Even the forfeit win, which was originally a loss to Kupaa. They were older than us, but we hung in there to the end. It makes us stronger, every battle, win or lose. You guys were awesome. Not perfect. Just awesome.
We've learned one thing for sure: facing against 12U competition is a lot different from 13U competition. But everybody embraced the challenge and we did pretty well, 4-1 overall in the tourney. I feel good about every game; we'll learn a lot. Even the forfeit win, which was originally a loss to Kupaa. They were older than us, but we hung in there to the end. It makes us stronger, every battle, win or lose. You guys were awesome. Not perfect. Just awesome.
In the late afternoon, the Aiea Goodwill 17U Tournament tipped off. We played Lanakila tough for a half (24-22), then they took control in the second half and beat us 53-40. It was a bright light for me. Though we were missing several guys, we had enough to stay close. Kaelen and Mike were very strong in the paint, blocking a LOT of shots, which is something we've never done against Lanakila before. Bryson got our late first-half rally going with a string of 3-point bombs.
Overall, our shooting was off, probably due to rust. When we get our shooting strokes back, we'll do much better. Lanakila was the best team in the state last year, winning every tournament here, winning the ‘Iolani Summer League, rolling in the mainland tourney in Vegas (Super 64) before losing in the top tier. And we're right there with them, just a few plays away from being at that level.
So I'm optimistic. Very optimistic. Optimistic enough to start thinking about summer travel. We just need to keep improving, building chemistry.
Sunday is no rest day for us. The 13U plays at 9:15 am, Koko Head gym, in the PAA playoffs. Then the 17U and 15U have practice at McCully Gym, 11:00 am.
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