Roosevelt 40, H1 Thunder 34 (varsity)

Kalani Varsity League

Roosevelt came into this game unbeaten in league play. We were 2-3, doing OK with our roster of mostly middle school/JV players. 

We were just 6 strong tonight with some guys busy in other leagues, injured, etc. But we had enough to compete and possibly win. A really slow start by our guys in the paint, not boxing out at all. We were down 12-2 with no resistance at the basket. 

I was losing my mind. 

Then we finally started to play with some physicality and pride. Felcris and Josh caught fire from deep, raining in 3 after 3. We were within 25-19 with seconds left in the first half when Roosevelt's Josh banked in a 3. Ouch. 

Second half, Tani sat for several minutes with a sprained right ankle. But our guys kept hitting. We got within 28-25 early in the second half when Roosevelt pulled the ball out and held it. We sat back in our 2-3 zone. They were doing us a favor since we had hardly any bench. They held the ball at midcourt for roughly 3-4 minutes. 

(Coach Steve (Roosevelt) sent a message after the game and said that he had to do something break our team's shooting rhythm. He's a guy who once made 10 treys in a high school game, so he knows it when he sees it. It was a smart move on his part. It also gave us a chance to catch our breath and allow Tani's ankle to get a little better.)

Then they began to attack and we wilted, giving up two layups. Then another bucket. We were down 34-25 and had to chase the rest of the way. 

With about 4 minutes left, we finally started to press. Having Kanehe was a big spark on the press, but we didn't cash in on our opportunities and Roosevelt put us away in the final minute. 

It was a hearty effort in the last 3/4ths of the game. I just hope ALL our guys realize how important it is to protect the basket and box out at all times. We were soft as marshmallows in those first 8 minutes or so and it cost us. The unwillingness to play physical is something I can't stand. At all. 

It goes back to a lack of practice time, and it goes back to the lack of mental toughness against any team, tall or not. We don't have it sometimes, and this was one of those times. 

Felcris and Josh really carried us for most of the night. Not bad for a couple of 7th graders from Kalakaua Middle. 

Coach Steve: "Please tell your team they really outplayed us tonight." 

I see his point, though I don't know if we outplayed anyone with our turnovers and early rebounding issues. But we played with heart most of the night and that's what makes me proud. 

Lineup: Kanehe Nishimura, Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Jay CorpuzAhadain, Keanu Pratt, Tanielu Mosi Afe, Radyn Kaleikini. 

Mahalo to Lehua Nishimura for shooting the game video. Thank you, Lehua! 

Next: Friday, 5:00 pm - Thunder vs. Punahou (Maryknoll JV League).
6:20 pm - Thunder vs. Hoops4Christ (CAL 15U League), Kilauea gym.
WE LUB THIS GAME!