Busy Friday

The day is done. Our 17U were down to four players, but Coach Roy brought three of our 13U guys from Koko Head to Aiea gym in the nick of time.

The 17U played hard, but lost to the Aiea Blazers by about 15 42-28. We were close, within about 4-6 points, most of the way. Having just seven players was tough. Couldn't press much. Couldn't run as much as we usually do. Having five six guys out with May Day and school commitments ... I thought we could still overcome the adversity. The boys played hard, which I'm thankful for. Just couldn't get the win. Thunder 17U will play for third place on Wednesday, 6:00 pm.

The 13U won their game against Crush by two points 42-40. (Sorry I don't have scores, but I'll post them after I'm done uploading all three game videos.) Coach Roy was in charge at that game. It was a solid win against a second-place team in our pool, though it wasn't easy. Thunder 13U led by 10 before Crush rallied, and after we threw the ball away with :05 left, Crush had a chance to tie or win the game, but their pass was tipped away by Chris and Tanielu.

The 15U won, too. Coach Loto and Coach Heo were in charge at Kaimuki Park gym. 15U won by three 36-33 against the Huskies. Only six players there, and Tone fouled out late, but that's a great win. I like how our 15U is playing smarter with each game, and playing tough mentally and physically. It's awesome.

Saturday's schedule is as busy as Friday's. We really need all our 12U and 13U — who have overlapping games for the second weekend in a row — to get to the games (early if can). Tanielu will be with the 13U and Chris will be with the 12U. That should give us seven players at each site. I'll pick up Chris and Joshua (and Jimark if he decides to shoot video) at 11:30 am.

After that, Thunder 17U plays a 4:00 pm game at Palama Gym. If you missed the schedule that was posted earlier, here it is again.

Saturday, May 4 
1:00 pm, Kilauea gym - Thunder 13U: Coach Larry will be in charge with help from Cliff. Lineup: Micah Visoria, Walter Berthold, Kyle Moraga, Tanielu Afe, Jared Elwin, Kalai Kuaia, Kali‘a Mielke. That's seven players — one more than last week. 

1:10 pm, Aiea gym - Thunder 12U: Coach Paul will be there with support from Dean, Carl, Nate. Lineup: Ryan Higashionna, Kodee Viena, Malosi Viena, Joshua de Jesus, Javan Montiho, Kaiser (Javan's friend) and Chris Afe. No word from Lio's mom on whether he'll play. 

4:00 pm, Palama gym - Thunder 17U: Coach Larry will be in charge. (I have to work, judo state championships.) 

Sunday, May 5 
2:00 pm, Palama gym - Thunder 15U: Coach Loto, Coach Heo and I will be there.