Kalani 49, H1 Thunder 34 (varsity)

Kalani Varsity Summer League
We led 22-12 late in the first half. Just 7 Thunder tonight, a bunch of guys out with injuries, etc. But our guys played really well. Then Kalani made a run late in the half, then took over in the second half. They wore us down.

Kalani normally suits up only 9 players, but they had a full squad for us tonight. Maybe they remember that we upset them last year, maybe not, but it's always a great battle. 

Our guys played their hearts out and we tried to match up, but it was really tough. Fatigue was a problem against their fresh legs, and they hit a lot of perimeter shots during their big run. Kapaa and Kanehe both killed us. Happy for them, but if they'd both played for us, we would've had 9 players, more outside shooting and rebounding. 

I'm pretty certain that if we had those two Falcons wearing Thunder uniforms tonight, it would've been a different result. Still, I'm proud of our guys even in defeat. Having Haka back was awesome. He was deadly from deep in the first half. It'll take some time to get the chemistry and timing down since most his old Thunder teammates are now gone (like Isaiah Visoria, John Chow, etc.). 

We got solid play from all 7 guys tonight, lots of hustle from Gabriel, solid shooting and ballhandling from Josh - our two guys off the bench. Kali‘a and Ray battled hard in the post against Kalani's 6-foot-2 rebounders. If we had one or two more guys, would've made a huge difference for us, but that's how it goes. 

Haka asked earlier by text, "Am I the oldest guy now?" The answer, of course, is yes. By miles.  Aside from Haka, who is going to be a senior, the rest of our players just completed seventh, eighth or ninth grade. When we play smart and execute, we win varsity-level games regardless of our age. 

Tonight's lineup: Gabriel Porras, Josh M DE Jesus, Iamhaka Johnson, Tanielu Mosi Afe, Chase Santos, Raydyn Kaleikini, Kali'a Mielke.

Next: 3 games on Wednesday.
4:00 pm - Thunder vs. Maryknoll (Maryknoll JV League).
5:30 pm - Thunder vs. Lanakila (CAL 13U League), Kilauea gym.
6:20 pm - Thunder vs. Lanakila (CAL 15U League), Kilauea gym.
WE LUB THIS GAAAME!!