PAA 15U Division, Palolo gym
We were within 9 (29-20) at one point, but we had a few too many turnovers and lack of execution to stay with this team. Kailua has its kids up from last year's 13U, just like us, but also has a 6-7 center from ‘Iolani who makes a difference.
We pulled him out of the key with some nice play work by Manoa and Kali‘a. Kali‘a hit two or three treys, all in the flow, smooth as silk. That will continue to be a big weapon for us against these older, bigger teams. We were missing our sophomores (not sure where they were), so this was basically our 14U Thunder today.
I know we haven't had much time to practice. Of our 9 Thunder today, three of them barely know plays and two of them are basically brand new. I like the hustle we had today, having to work on the boards against a team this big; including Kamakana Winquist, Kailua has about 5 or 6 guys around 6-2 or taller. But we have speed, shooting and, sometimes, smart offensive teamwork.
I really hope 1) that we get more practice time together, and 2) we get to play Kailua again. We know how to beat them. It's a matter of execution on both ends.
Special props to Kapaa and Kyle. Kapaa suffered an ankle injury yesterday and Kyle got an ankle injury early in today's game when one of the Kailua players stepped on his foot. They played through injury like grown men. Thanks guys.
Today's lineup: Javan Montiho, Hsien Pascua, Kenehe Nishimura, Gabriel Porras, Kyle Moraga, Kapaa Nishimura, Manoa Kualii Moe, Kali'a Mielke, Keanu Pratt.
Next: Monday, 5:00 pm, practice, Makiki Park. Free throws for the guys who missed the Challenge. A lot of reps (ballhandling, passing, shooting).
WE LUB THIS GAME!
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