In a great battle between David and Goliath, the little guys won. Ryan's free throw in overtime was the game winner. HG's first five FT shooters in overtime (shootout style) missed. Our first four foul shooters missed.
Then Ryan stepped up and swished his shot, all net. It was a dramatic end to a tight game. We played small ball, but with a 30-second shot clock, we couldn't stretch possessions like we've been accustomed to (if necessary).
Instead, our five-guard offense found a way to rally from a 10-point deficit. HomeGrown has a hefty 6-4 (or 6-5) center and a physical, big 5-11 low-post scorer. But our constant fullcourt pressure kept us in the game. The guys played their tails off, swarming on their giant like fighter jets on King Kong. "Big" Josh, Colin, Javan, Ryan — our gritty guys pushed the big boys back as much as humanly possible.
When we started hitting threes over their 2-3 zone (it took awhile to get used to those Baden balls), it was just a matter of time.
We had a small lead in the final few minutes, made some offensive mistakes, missed a big free throw, and their scorer (44) drove for the tying basket with :04 left. I yelled for a time out. Refs couldn't hear me, I guess.
Then came the OT shootout. Their first 3 shooters missed. So did ours. Then it was their next two shooters, who missed. Our fourth guy missed, but Ryan came through.
It would've gone right down the line to guys on the bench if necessary.
We didn't have a guy over 5-7. Small ball rules.
Today's lineup: Walter Berthold, Josh Roberts, Thomas BaptisteTakahashi, Micah Visoria, Javan Montiho, Colin Ramos, Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna.
Mahalo to Jared Elwin, Mosi Afe and Kyle Moraga for supporting our 13U Thunder. Also recent grad and All-State guard Isaiah Visoria and his family.
Most of the 13U and some of the 15U met up at Beretania Pizza Hut after the game to celebrate the end of the NJB All-Net season. Great finish by both teams! Mahalo to Coach Roy Moraga for taking Josh and Felcris home.
We didn't have a guy over 5-7. Small ball rules. Will we be this small all summer in 13U? With Kapaa focusing on JV/Varsity leagues and Chris busy with football activities, the answer is yes. But we proved once again that no obstacle is big enough to stop us. Goliath included.
Maybe the best part is, every single one of our 13U guys is learning how to be a leader. How to be composed. How to compete despite extreme, supposed disadvantages. How to win. That's something nobody can teach. It's all on you guys, doing some remarkable things. Some courageous things every week against guys 50, 75, 100-plus pounds heavier. I cannot help but have the utmost respect for you.
Next: Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAME!
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