This Week (Sept. 1-7)

Monday (Labor Day) - No practice. Some guys want to go beach and/or BBQ. I'm free after 2 pm. Let me know.

Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.

Wednesday, 5:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Sharks-Black (PAA 13U), Kilauea gym. Stretching/warmups 4:30 pm.

Thursday, 5:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (PAA 13U), Kilauea gym. Stretching/warmups 4:30 pm.

Friday - No practice.

Saturday, 12:15 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (PAA 15U), Koko Head gym. Stretching/warmups 11:15 am.
WE LUB THIS GAAAAME!!

H1 Thunder 40, Pearl City All-Stars 39

CAL League, 13U Gold Division, Kilauea gym
Pearl City had three shots in the final seconds to win it, but they missed from the wing and under the basket three times.. Chris' defense was key in those last seconds. He blocked one shot and altered the last two as their kid missed. Barely.

PC had a terrific player (#24) who slashed through our pressure a lot, especially in the second half. But once we went to man defense, Colin was outstanding. He denied their best scorer the ball. Good work, Thunder! We have been mostly winning these close, close games. Sticking together as a team. HUSTLING like crazy. We are blessed. Eight wins in our last nine games (13U and 15U).

Mahalo to Coach Larry, and "graduate assistants" Kali‘a and Big Josh. Mahalo to our talented cinematographer, Brandon Higashionna!

Lineup: Walter Berthold, Javan Montiho, Josh Roberts, Jayden Ramos,Colin Micah Ramos, Micah Visoria, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Chris Afe, Ryan Higashionna.

Next: Monday - No practice. Some guys want to go beach and/or BBQ. I'm free after 2 pm. Let me know.
Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Wednesday, 5:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Sharks-Black (PAA 13U), Kilauea gym. Stretching/warmups 4:30 pm.
Thursday, 5:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (PAA 13U), Kilauea gym. Stretching/warmups 4:30 pm.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 12:15 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (PAA 15U), Koko Head gym. Stretching/warmups 11:15 am.
WE LUB THIS GAAAAME!!

Video: H1 Thunder vs Kalakaua (13U)

vs Kalakaua 8/30/2014 (PAA 13U)
video: Nathan Higashionna
score: Thunder 29, Kalakaua 27, OT

Sunday pickup route

## Sunday pickup route ##
10:00 am - Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Micah Visoria? Josh M DE Jesus.
10:15 am - Chris Afe?
11:00 am - Stretching/warmups.
12:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Pearl City All-Stars (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym.
WE LUB THIS GAAAAME!!

H1 Thunder 11U?

Is it possible? 

There's Micah's younger brother, Jared's younger sister, Tani and Chris' younger brother, Colin and Jayden's younger sister. Plus, Jayden is 11. 

I'm not pushing either way, just want to get a discussion going. If it makes sense and everybody can have some fun, I'm for that. 

Discuss.

H1 Thunder 29, Kalakaua 27, OT (13U)

PAA League, 13U Division, Koko Head gym
Micah hit a huge corner 3 with about :10 left in regulation to tie it at 27. Then he stole the inbounds pass, passed to Ryan, and then shot another 3 from the other corner that missed at the buzzer.

In OT (1-minute period or first team to score 3 points), Colin drove and scored to give us the lead. We got the ball back, missed the 1-and-1, and Kalakaua had the ball for the final :10. They missed a long (25 footer) 3-point shot at the buzzer and we were very fortunate to have the win.

Scrappy defense by both teams. We were 6 strong and really worn out by the end, just total guts and grit by our guys, playing on fumes in a hot gym.

We are not the greatest early-morning team, either. This was our second 8:30 am game in two weeks. We don't have another 8:30 am game scheduled for now, so that's nice. Kalakaua is always a fundamentally solid team, and they have a solid 6-foot-3 center now. I think we had a chance to take control of the game twice: late in the first half and late in regulation. Our press gradually wore Kalakaua down. But we had almost no subs today, so just surviving was all we could do. We pulled back the press for most of the second half.

Lineup: Jayden Ramos, Colin Micah Ramos, Micah Visoria, Chris Afe,Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna.

Next: Sunday, 12:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Pearl City All-Stars (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym. Stretching/warmups 11:00 am.

WE LUB THIS GAAAAAME!

2015 Summer Travel Commit List

This year's 14U will be 15U next season. I'm hopeful that we also have the current 13U playing in both 14U and 15U tournaments next summer. I also have hope that our current 15U will play 16U next summer, but the numbers of committed guys would need to grow for that to happen.

We'll travel with 10 players for 15U. This number is flexible, but a max number would be 12. If we take a 14U team, they will fortify the 15U team. Need at least eight players to have a competitive (championship) 14U.

Where are we going? The pipe dream is China. No kidding. Coach Young at ‘Iolani told me he'd get in touch with his contact guy there. He makes stuff happen, has relationships with teams/coaches in China and, of course, Nike. That's how the ‘Iolani Classic became his baby.

Other travel destinations: Las Vegas (too many Hawaii teams for my taste, but still good for cheap hotel rooms), Bay Area (heard good things), LA/Anaheim (cheap food, good competition). We could go to the Northwest (Seattle?), Southwest (Arizona?), Rockies (Colorado), Midwest (Indiana?), Texas ... the possibilities are endless! Beyond the West Coast, I like the MAYB organization and their nationwide tournaments - mostly in the Midwest and Southwest. Daniel Vela, Keanu's dad, said their team (Colorado Elite) played in a MAYB tournament in Nebraska and it was really good.

Kona is in the picture, too, though it's such a late tournament (end of July) that our football guys will probably have scheduling conflicts. Also, the WYBT tourney in Kona only has 14U/12U in (late) July.

I'm open to ideas, but more than anything, we need to get a list of committed travel players. What we fundraise doesn't even pay for league fees and uniforms entirely, so we really have a chance to hustle early and raise plenty of funds to cover those costs AND travel costs. The earlier we plan, the cheaper costs are, especially plane fare.

SO ... WHO IS IN?
WE LUB THIS GAAAME!!

No 15U game this weekend

We gave it a try, not enough players, so there's no CAL 15U game on Saturday. Originally, there was no game, but CAL asked us to switch if possible due to schedule changes for another team. We always want to help the league out (we've been a charter member since 2010) when possible. They've helped us out countless times before when we made schedule requests.

But this time, no go. So our two games this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) are 13U only. 15U guys are welcome to come and help out, as always.

WE LUB THIS GAME!!

Video: 7 treys vs OTB (15U)

H1 Thunder: 7 treys vs OTB
8/27/2014 (CAL 15U)
video: Brandon Higashionna
The last 3-pointer, by Ryan Higashionna, was the one that gave us the lead for good and a 44-43 win.

Video: H1 Thunder vs OTB (15U)

vs OTB 8/27/2014 (CAL 15U)
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 44, OTB 43

15U might play Saturday

CAL League is asking if we can play a 15U game on Saturday, 12:00 pm, due to schedule changes for other teams. (Kahuku just found out some of their kids have a Big Boyz football game.)

I need to find out how many of our 15U can play on Saturday, noon (Kilauea gym). If we have a solid number (at least seven), I'll tell CAL League we can play. Otherwise, 15U has no games this weekend.

Please call or text me at 551-1054. Mahalo, Thunder Ohana!

Note: We have a PAA 13U game that day, 8:30 am, at Koko Head gym.

Thursday pickup route

4:00 pm - Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain? Josh M DE Jesus?
5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Call/text 551-1054 for a ride.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

H1 Thunder 44, OTB 43 (15U)

PAA League, 15U Division, Kilauea gym
We were 7 strong, all 14 and under (except for Sierra), but we led almost the entire way by using our hustle, defense and smarts. Skill and heart go a long way against all of these tall teams.

Kyle and Kali‘a anchored us inside, while the rest of our guys were strictly guards who really defended strong under the basket on box-outs. Sierra and Ryan hit clutch threes in the final minutes for us. Kyle, our inside/out guy, hit two huge free throws in the final minute, and Kali‘a pulled in a major offensive rebound for us in the final 5 seconds when we had to shoot with the shot clock running out.

We got outstanding defense and floor leadership from Jared at the point, even some big rebounds (as usual). Josh was solid on the perimeter with pressure and passing. Felcris was valuable as a key ballhandler (no turnovers) against OTB's pressure defense.

A fun team win. We weren't deep and a lot of our guys are busy with football, studies or recovering from injury, but our 7 Thunder proved that we had more than enough tonight.

Lineup: Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Sierra Murobayashi, Ryan Higashionna, Josh M DE Jesus, Jared Elwin, Kali'a Mielke, Kyle Moraga.

Next: Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 8:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Kalakaua (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym. Stretching/warmups 7:30 am.
NOTE: We may have a CAL 13U game on Saturday, 12:00 pm, at Kilauea gym. It's a game that is scheduled for the following weekend, but there's a scheduling conflict with a PAA 13U game. We'll find out if the teams can switch around soon.
Sunday, 12:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Pearl City All-Stars (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym. Stretching/warmups 11:00 am.
WE LUB THIS GAAAME!!

Video: H1 Thunder vs HomeGrown (15U)

vs HomeGrown 8/24/2014 (CAL 15U)
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 36, HomeGrown 16

Wednesday pickup route

5:00 pm - Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain.
5:15 pm - Kyle Moraga?
5:30 pm - Jared Elwin.
6:00 pm - Stretching/warmups.
6:30 pm - Keanu Pratt?
7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym.
WE LUB THIS GAAAME!!
Need a ride, call/text 551-1054.

Video: H1 Thunder vs Lanakila (13U)

vs Lanakila 8/24/2014 (CAL 13U)
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Lanakila 32, Thunder 31, OT

Monday funday

Good work by 4 Thunder on a breezy, drizzly afternoon at Makiki Park. We got plenty of ballhandling work in, then a lot of 2-on-2, fullcourt work, especially against traps. Then basic triple threat drills against physical man defense. We always need to be ready for that when referees allow plenty of contact. Finished up with free throws. Sierra was first (17-for-20). Another good step forward for the Thunder who put the work in.

Lineup: Sierra Murobayashi, Jared Elwin, Ryan Higashionna, Walter Berthold.

Next: Tuesday - No practice. Optional shooting drills at Makiki Park. Call/text me if you want to shoot 551-1054.
Wednesday, 7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym. Stretching/warmups 6:00 pm.
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAAAAME!!

Video: H1 Thunder vs Swish (13U)

vs Swish 8/23/2014 (PAA 13U)
video: Mark Berthold
score: Thunder 37, Swish 21

Players win games

Coaches lose them. It's always been true and it was true today. Our 13U played GREAT basketball for more than 3 quarters. The right move was to spread the court, save some of our legs by eating up the shot clock. But my first mistake was to not attack enough out of the spread in the 4th quarter. We did it sometimes (Princeton, Mon//Tue), but in other possessions, holding the ball for shots with less than 10 seconds on the clock, it put pressure on our offense and sometimes we couldn't get a real good shot.

Second, the heat was a major factor and it would've been better to use our subs much more in the second half - the way I used them in the first. I think the heat wore our starters down, even though there were timeouts and water breaks along the way.

Third, I always prefer for Ryan to be the passer on our inbounds plays, especially against taller teams. But I didn't notice it when we had a sideline inbounds play and he didn't take it out. That's my fault.

Fourth, when we were still up 2 in the final 10 or 15 seconds, instead of just asking you guys to let them foul you, I should've added that if they bring a double team (trap), pass the ball back or pass to the open man.

Even if we had thrown a long pass downcourt, that would've forced them to try and beat the clock. Instead, we got tied up for a jump ball, Lanakila got possession and wound up making the tying basket before the buzzer.

All of that is on me.

And there's one more: i could've had Micah and Walter shoot the foul shots in the OT shootout. Both had worked hard on their shooting last week. Walter was especially strong, shooting 17-for-20 at the end of a workout. But he'd been on the bench awhile, probably a little cold, so I decided against that. (He would've shot with the next 3 shooters.)

So many ifs and what-could've-beens. I hate costing us games. Replaying everything in my mind seems useless, but if I can learn from my mistakes, hopefully I can serve you guys better as a coach. That way, instead of losing a game we led from the start, we would've won our fifth game in a row (13/15U combined). We've played 139 games so far this year in everything from 13U to 14U to 15U to JV and varsity. We've won 88 games, which is pretty insane and awesome. But we've lost 51 and one way or another, I couldn't find a way to help us get the win in each of those 51 defeats. This loss today feels as cruddy as any of those losses.

My apologies, guys.

Monday pickup route

4:00 pm - Josh M DE Jesus? Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain?
Need a ride, call/text 551-1054 before 4:00.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

This Week (Aug. 25-31) REVISED

** REVISED Sunday 9:30 pm. Adds CAL schedule.

Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.

Tuesday - No practice.

Wednesday, 7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym. Stretching/warmups 6:00 pm.

Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.

Friday - No practice.

Saturday, 8:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Kalakaua (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym. Stretching/warmups 7:30 pm.

** Sunday, 12:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Pearl City All-Stars (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym

WE LUB THIS GAAAAME!!

Lanakila 32, H1 Thunder 31, OT (13U)

CAL League, 13U Gold Division, Killauea gym
Heartbreaking loss for our guys. Our 5-foot-7 and under lineup faced kids who were 6-3 and 6-0 today. We led by as many as 10 or 12 early on, keeping the defensive pressure on and creating turnovers.

We led the whole way! Lanakila didn't take the lead until that last FT in overtime. Heartbreaking, but we'll bounce back strong.

We tired toward the end, couldn't get those rebounds and loose balls that we owned at the beginning. Lanakila had the ball out of bounds under the basket with :08 left. They missed a shot (I think), but got the offensive rebound at the elbow and hit the shot to tie the game with :02 left, forcing OT.

In the OT free-throw shootout, we made only 1 of 3 shots and we lost. We usually win that FT shootout, so we had our chances. One of our shooters told me later the ball was wet ... if that's the case, you give ball back to the referee and ask him to dry it.

To win games, you really have to leave nothing to chance and demand every possible advantage, so next time, no hesitation. Ask the referee for a dry basketball - he will do it. We learn these things as we grow.

The hustle and heart we showed in this game from the very start were outstanding. I don't think we could've played a better first half. But I do regret that we didn't call more attack plays in the second half. We did a great job of controlling the ball and the clock/shot clock, getting a breather when we could. But in any loss, I have to consider what went wrong, and that's one of those things. Colin was beating his man (the 6-3 guy) all game long.

I knew he was tired at the end, but now that I look back, all we needed was one more point. The guys gave everything they had and somehow, I couldn't help them finish up with a win. It's bittersweet. I just wish we could play them again in the playoffs, but CAL League normally doesn't have playoffs.

I am proud of our guys 100% though. Every time we hit the court, people doubt us during warmups. They see a team of tiny guys, young guys (we have 11- and 12-year-olds). They don't give us a chance against the giants. And yet, we beat the big boys often, and today would've been another great win. We were right there. So even in defeat, my level of pride in our guys is still higher than ever.

Lineup: Walter Berthold, Josh Roberts, Jayden Ramos, Colin Micah Ramos, Micah Visoria, Javan Montiho, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna.

Next: Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAME!!

Sunday pickup route

11:00 am - Josh M DE Jesus?, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain?
11:15 am - Chris Afe? Mosi Afe?
11:30 am - Keanu Pratt?
11:40 am - Jared Elwin?
12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups.
1:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Lanakila (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym
1:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym.
Might need help with transportation. Good problem.
WE LUB THIS GAAAAME!!

H1 Thunder 37, Swish 21 (13U)

PAA League, 13U Division, Koko Head gym
Another smart team win for our 13U. Again, it was against a taller team and it was close for awhile. By the end of the first half, we had a run going and led 19-8. It was not easy, but we kept the defensive pressure on with our 8 Thunder.

The shots from deep didn't fall at first, which is pretty much normal for an 8:30 am game and a fairly long drive. It was extra long for Javan (Pearl City), Colin, Jayden and Ryan (Ewa). But our defense was there most of the time and we never let up on the intensity.

So we start the PAA 13U with a win and we are probably A) the smallest team, B) the best shooting team, and C) the best passing team. We also probably have the tightest defensive pressure, though D-Up (in one of the games after us) was tough, too.

We got big shots later in the game from Ryan, Felcris and Javan to open the lead up. But it was defense that carried us and always will carry us. Good work, Thunder!

Nice work also by our 13U assistant coach, Big Josh M DE Jesus.

Lineup: Josh Roberts, Walter Berthold, Javan Montiho, Felcris Jay CorpuzAhadain, Ryan Higashionna, Colin Micah Ramos, Jayden Ramos, Micah Visoria.

Next: Sunday, 1:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Lanakila (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym. Stretching/warmups 12:00 pm.
Sunday, 1:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym.
WE LUB THIS GAAAAME!!

Video: Thunder vs McKinley (15U)

vs McKinley Tigers 8/17/2014 (CAL 15U)
video: Roy Moraga
score: Thunder 37, Tigers 33

Video: H1 Thunder vs Dream Hoops (15U)

vs Dream Hoops Elite 8/21/2014 (PAA 15U)
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 32, Dream Hoops 25

Saturday pickup route

6:45 am - Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Josh M DE Jesus?
7:30 am - Warmups/stretching. Get there early and get warmed up good. Early-morning games mean we need to get the blood pumping and shake off the cobwebs.
8:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Swish (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym.
If you need a ride, call/text me before 7:00 am - 551-1054.
WE LUBBB THIS GAAAME!!

H1 Thunder 32, Dream Hoops Elite 25 (15U)

PAA League, 15U Division, Kilauea gym
Solid team win against a team that is always, always very tall. Their guys are 6-6, 6-2, 6-0 and they always have lots of bodies. We were fortunate to have 7 Thunder tonight, but we played smart most of the time and kept the ball moving quickly in transition offense and halfcourt offense.

DH used man on us most of the game, then switched to zone. We did fairly good in halfcourt offense, had a few too many turnovers, but made up for it with great fullcourt pressure. That was the key, all 7 guys (including Sierra) working hard and getting good team position on the pressure over 94 feet. That kept DH from getting easy lobs to their big guys.

The last time we played their 15U, we won 43-40 in NJB League a few months ago. We got them out of their offensive flow tonight with the defensive pressure. Hats off to our Thunder. Great heart, great intelligence and great speed.

Lineup: Sierra Murobayashi, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Jared Elwin, Ryan Higashionna, Kali'a Mielke, Kyle Moraga, Josh M DE Jesus.

Awesome treat today meeting Trauvis who is Kyle's uncle, the guy who owns a uniform shop in the P.I. and made our white Thunder uniforms. He went through a lot to get those made for us, subcontracting the work out since the piping (on the side of the shorts) needed layers of differently colored fabric. You guys may not realize it, but you are wearing a work of art. No other place will put forth that much work, layer by layer.

Between Trauvis and Gerard's friend who made us the new teal uniforms, we have two sets of sharp, hand-crafted uniforms. It was great to meet Trauvis. Wishing him and the Moraga ohana a great time this weekend as they do some sightseeing.

Next: Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 8:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Swish (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym. Warmups/stretching 7:30 am.
Sunday, 1:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Lanakila (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 12:00 pm.
Sunday, 1:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 12:50 pm.
WE LUB THIS GAME!!

Video: Thunder vs H4C (13U)

vs Hoops4Christ 8/15/2014 (CAL 13U)
video: Ray Ramos
score: Thunder 35, H4C 26

Reminder: Bring both uniforms

We're the visiting team tonight, but Kyle's uncle (who designed our white home uniforms) is in town and will be at the game.

Thursday pickup route

5:00 pm - Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain
5:30 pm - Jared Elwin?
6:00 pm - Stretching/warmups.
7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Dream Hoops (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym.
WE LUB THIS GAAAME!!

Need contact info

My phone died/broke last week and the AT&T guy said I couldn't save my old phone numbers on the SIM card. Parents and players, please text me your ## if you haven't heard from me recently - 551-1054. Thanks Thunder family!

Thursday lineup

7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Dream Hoops (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym
Lineup
Keanu Pratt - ankle
Radyn Kaleikini - sitting out fall/training with dad
Kali'a Mielke - football practice, may be available
Tanielu Mosi Afe - football practice
Kyle Moraga - ?
Chase Santos - ?
Jared Elwin - playing
Gabriel Porras - ?
Josh M DE Jesus - playing
Kapaa Nishimura - ankle
Kanehe Nishimura - cross country practice
Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain - playing
Sierra Murobayashi - ?
Colin Micah Ramos - ?
Javan Montiho - football practice
Chris Afe - football practice
Ryan Higashionna - ?

Wednesday pickup route

4:00 pm - Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Josh M DE Jesus?
5:00 pm - Optional shooting practice. 
Call/text me 551-1054 for a ride before 4:00. 
WE LUB THIS GAME!!

Tuesday funday

Nice turnout of 8 Thunder today. We got a lot of shooting in early, then fullcourt controlled scrimmage, working on plays to help the newer guys. Jared is back and that helps us big time at practice on both ends. We finished up with more shooting, then we spent the last 15 minutes working on pressbreaker.

It was a sloppy final 15 minutes, but that's what we needed. Good work, Thunder!

Lineup: Jared Elwin, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna, Josh M DE Jesus, Walter Berthold, Colin Micah Ramos, Jayden Ramos, Josh Roberts.

Next: Wednesday, 5:00 pm - Optional shooting practice at Makiki Park.
Thursday, 7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs Dream Hoops (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 6:00 pm.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 8:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Swish (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym. Warmups/stretching 7:30 am.
Sunday, 1:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Lanakila (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 12:00 pm.
Sunday, 1:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 12:50 pm.
WE LUB THIS GAME!!

Monday funday

## Monday funday ##
Strong workout on a hot afternoon at Makiki Park for Ryan and Walter. Each guy got 300 shots in: layups, mid-range, bank shots, spin moves, jab steps, drives, floaters, and 100 3-pointers. A lot of guys are busy, but when we've got low numbers at practice, it's an opportunity to get lots of solid reps in.

200 shots a day, 5 days a week for 3 months is 12,000 shots. 300 shots a day? That comes out to 18,000 shots. Nobody can stop you but you. 

Lineup: Ryan Higashionna, Walter Berthold.
Next: Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

This Week (Aug 18-25)

 Less than 3 months until Novermber tryouts. H1 Thunder 13U and 15U in PAA and CAL League play. All kinds of reasons to get your work in every day. 200+ shots a day, 5 times a week equals 12,000 shots in these 3 months.

JUST DO IT. Work hard, play hard.

JUIST THE FACTS: Kevin Durant spent 100% of his youth basketball training in drills and practice, not a single pickup game. That's extreme, but it shows how hard he was willing to work from age 11 on, from 9 am to 6 pm in the summer time everyday. Even today, he puts 90% of his offseason basketball time into drills.

We don't go that crazy. Our guys need as much 5-on-5 as possible, but we will always push ourselves to get the work done daily.

Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Wednesday, 5:00 pm - No practice. Optional shooting drills, Makiki Park.
Thursday, 7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs Dream Hoops (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 6:00 pm.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 8:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Swish (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym. Warmups/stretching 7:30 am.
Sunday, 1:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Lanakila (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 12:00 pm.
Sunday, 1:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 12:50 pm.
WE LUB THIS GAME!!

H1 Thunder 37, McKinley 33 (15U)

CAL League, 15U Division, Kilauea gym
We had just 3 Thunder — Josh, Felcris and Kali‘a today — at game time. Fortunately, Lanakila lent us Reymar (not playing in CAL, he's just 13) and the Titans/City Slickers lent us Kaylyn Espinda, Coach Greydon's daughter.

Neither Reymar nor Kaylyn were playing in CAL 15U Division, so they were eligible and ready.

Kaylyn had just played the game before ours, but she did a great job on both ends, hit a couple of 3-pointers for us! Rey is very aggressive and helped us in the post. But he got into foul trouble early.

Again, we were fortunate. Cliff brought Jared during the first half and he kept us going as we got tired in the second half. We had a 10-point lead in the first half and held on to the lead right to the end.

No press with just 5/6 players. McKinley about 12 guys, including a couple of good perimeter shooters. It was a good team win for the guys who showed up today. Kali‘a was strong on the boards and Josh did a nice job of driving and dishing against McKinley's man defense. Felcris was solid in spots, still learning to be a little more patient against the older teams. He hit a bank 3 for the second game in a row.

Lineup: Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Josh M DE Jesus, Kali'a Mielke,Jared Elwin, Kaylyn Espinda, Reymar (Lanakila).

Next: Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

Thursday funday

Solid workout this afternoon by 5 Thunder. We got conditioning work in, then 100-point drill. It's the best way to simulate game-speed execution on our halfcourt sets when we can't go 5-on-5. Finished off with 3-point shooting challenge, two times around. Best was 10 treys in 60 seconds from the right wing. Good work, Thunder! 

Lineup: Sierra Murobayashi, Josh Roberts, Ryan Higashionna, Micah Visoria, Walter Berthold.

Next: Friday - No practice. Get your 200+ shots in.
Saturday, 10:20 am - Thunder vs Hoops4Christ (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 9:20 am.
Sunday, 2:40 pm - Thunder vs McKinley (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym.
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

H1 Thunder 35, Hoops4Christ 26 (13U)

CAL Basketball League, 13U Gold Division, Kilauea gym
Small ball rules again. We faced a tall, athletic H4C squad. They had three players at least 5-10 to 6 feet, but instead of playing a slow, halfcourt game, we stuck to our strengths. We got plenty of energy from all 8 Thunder today, including our rookie 11-year-old, Jayden.

We might not be this fortunate, having 8 guys there, but for today, we had more than enough. The guys who have been working hard at practice and the guys who have been busy with other sports (at school) did a fine job meshing and moving the ball today. Like I said after the game, they may look like they're all 10 years old, but they play like they're 15 or 16.


Heart and skills always go a long, long way. Guys hitting the floor for loose balls, boxing out H4C's big guys, pressing fullcourt most of the game and pushing the ball upcourt for open shots. It was fun to watch.

Lineup: Jayden Ramos, Josh Roberts, Walter Berthold, Felcris Jay CorpuzAhadain, Ryan Higashionna, Javan Montiho, Colin Micah Ramos, Micah Visoria. Our 5-foot-7 and under small-ball team did the job again.

Mahalo to Josh De Jesus for making his assistant coach debut on the bench! He did a nice job helping me with the rotation.

Mahalo to the Thunder parents for the birthday cupcakes. You guys think of everything, even an old man's age.

Next: Sunday, 2:40 pm - H1 Thunder vs. McKinley (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 1:40 pm.

Thank you, Mrs. Chang!

BIG MAHALO to Mrs. Patti Chang for donating again to our Thunder kids tonight. Your aloha is eternal, Mrs. Chang!

REVISED Game Schedule (as of 8/13)

Just got the e-mail from CAL Basketball League tonight. Our 13U game has been changed from Sunday to Saturday (better for us) and our 13U game next week has a different opponent, though same day and time. Mahalo to Greydon for the help!

Game Schedule
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7:45 pm - Thunder vs. Sharks (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Aug. 16, 10:20 am - Thunder vs. Hoops4Christ (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym

Sunday, Aug. 17, 2:40 pm - Thunder vs. McKinley (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym

Thursday, Aug. 21, 7:00 pm - Thunder vs. Dream Hoops (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Aug. 23, 8:30 am - Thunder vs. Swish (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym
Sunday, Aug. 24, 1:00 pm - Thunder vs. Lanakila (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym
Sunday, Aug. 24, 1:50 pm - Thunder vs. HomeGrown (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 7:00 pm - Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Aug. 30, 8:30 am - Thunder vs. Kalakaua (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym
(CAL schedule for Aug. 31 to be announced)

Sharks 44, H1 Thunder 32 (15U)

PAA League, 15U Division, Kilauea gym
Sharks have a very tall team now and our passing offensively against their 2-3 zone was often times slow and not crisp. Our 15U chemistry and flow are not there right now, unlike our 14U ball movement just two weeks ago. Our man defense was OK, but we need to get better at bringing help in the lane earlier — something that takes time and practice to develop.

We hustled, played with heart. Just not sharp. Again, this was a game that we played so-so. Not great. Not bad. We were down 12-0, cut the lead to 4, then let the Sharks open the lead back up to 12 by halftime.

Then we let the Sharks get open shots to start the second half and we were down 17, fighting to get back in the game the rest of the way. It's a shot-clock league and our perimeter defenders will need to be smarter. There were times we had good pressure, forced them out beyond the 3-point arc with 10 seconds or less, but overplayed on defense and allowed them to get a good look. It's something we have to be smarter about when that shot clock is winding down.

Right now, it's a dilemma. We've got some guys busy with football, some guys busy with other things, and some guys simply not showing up to practice. It's affecting our flow and chemistry, it's forcing me to bench some of our better 15U players. As much as I want to win, just as much (or more) than anyone else, we owe to the guys showing up to practice to give them the start.

It's never personal. It's just fair. If I don't hear from you guys who are skipping practice, please let me know what's going on, call/text me at 551-1054 so I know we're unified as a team. So the guys who are putting in the work know their teammates are being accountable when they can't make practice. The last thing I want is for some guys to drift off, skip workouts and fail to improve in these three months leading up to varsity and JV tryouts. We want to improve as a team and improve as strong teammates whether we're with our Thunder or our school teams.

But let's push ourselves to excel, to never be satisfied with "good enough". The time to step up and be your best is today, not next year, not next month. Improve 1% each day, that's a helluva lot over three months.

For now, we're 0-2 in PAA 15U, but once we start working together we'll get back to winning. We'll have momentum going into the playoffs. There's no reason we can't win this league. Just have to get focused and hungry, and right now ... we need more hungry players and fewer guys who are happy with "good enough."

Next: Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Friday - No practice.
(updated) Saturday, Aug. 16, 10:20 am - Thunder vs. Hoops4Christ (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym
Sunday, Aug. 17, 2:40 pm - Thunder vs. McKinley (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym

WE LUB THIS GAME!

CAL 13U possible schedule change

Heads up! CAL Basketball League has asked if we would switch our Sunday 13U game (vs. Lanakila) to Saturday, 9:30 am because one of the other teams has a scheduling conflict.

I've told CAL that we'd be willing to switch because Ryan and his family have a vacation planned on Sunday. This would work out well for us. We'll know by tomorrow (hopefully) if the switch is official or not.

Tuesday funday

Solid workout on another hot afternoon at Makiki Park. Conditioning, controlled scrimmage. Jayden (Colin's brother) did a great job in his first practice. He's only 11, played like he's 13.

Lineup: Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna, Sierra Murobayashi, Gabriel Porras, Chase Santos, Jayden Ramos, Colin Micah Ramos. GOOD WORK, THUNDER!

Next: Wednesday, 7:45 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Sharks (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/streching 6:45 pm, outside court.

WE LUB THIS GAME!

Game schedule Aug. 13-30

Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7:45 pm - Thunder vs. Sharks (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym
Sunday, Aug. 17, 11:10 am - Thunder vs. Lanakila (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym
Sunday, Aug. 17, 2:40 pm - Thunder vs. McKinley (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym

Thursday, Aug. 21, 7:00 pm - Thunder vs. Dream Hoops (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Aug. 23, 8:30 am - Thunder vs. Swish (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym
Sunday, Aug. 24, 1:00 pm - Thunder vs. Swish (CAL 13U), Kilauea gym
Sunday, Aug. 24, 1:50 pm - Thunder vs. HomeGrown (CAL 15U), Kilauea gym

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 7:00 pm - Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Aug. 30, 8:30 am - Thunder vs. Kalakaua (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym
(CAL schedule for Aug. 31 to be announced)

Monday funday

Solid workout for 4 Thunder today at Makiki Park. Hot, humid afternoon. Light breeze. We got some conditioning in, some on-ball defense and ballhandling in, so basic shooting drills on set plays. Good work, Thunder! 

Lineup: Josh M DE Jesus, Kyle Moraga, Ryan Higashionna, Sierra Murobayashi.

Not sure where the rest of the guys are at. A few guys have football. If you can't make it or if you need a ride, please let me know 551-1054. 

Next: Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Wednesday, 7:45 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Sharks, Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 6:45 pm.
WE LUB THIS GAAAAAAME!!

Video: 9 treys vs Kona Stingrays (14U)

World Youth Basketball Tournament (WYBT) Hawaii Invitational, 14-Under Division. Monday, July 28, 2014. Kekuaokalani Gymnasium, Kailua-Kona.
Video: Ray Ramos.

Video: 6 treys vs Hanakila (14U)

World Youth Basketball Tournament (WYBT) Hawaii Invitational, 14-Under Division. Monday, July 28, 2014. Kekuaokalani Gymnasium, Kailua-Kona.
Video: Nathan Higashionna.

Video: 7 treys vs Islanders (Kona) (14U)

World Youth Basketball Tournament (WYBT) Hawaii Invitational, 14-Under Division. Sunday, July 27, 2014. Kekuaokalani Gymnasium, Kailua-Kona.

Video: Nathan Higashionna.

Video: 5 treys vs Bay Area (14U)

World Youth Basketball Tournament (WYBT) Hawaii Invitational, 14-Under Division. Sunday, July 27, 2014. Kekuaokalani Gymnasium, Kailua-Kona.
Video: Nathan Higashionna.

Video: Thunder vs LA Titans (14U)

Uploaded on Aug 10, 2014
World Youth Basketball Tournament (WYBT) Hawaii Invitational, 14-Under Division. Tuesday, July 29, 2014. Kekuaokalani Gymnasium, Kailua-Kona.
Video: Ray Ramos.
score: Thunder 72, Titans 61

Passion: You got it or you don't

*** Passion leads to Courage. Courage leads to Work Ethic. Work Ethic leads to Excellence. Ask Keanu Vela or Isaiah Visoria about this fact. Ask Coach Jimmy Miyasaka. Or Brandon Cablay. Ascending to the level of college basketball and beyond isn't about luck. It starts with passion.

*** Indifference leads to Apathy. Apathy leads to Stagnation. Stagnation wastes everyone's time. Ask anyone who skips practice and/or games for a week, a month, several months about this fact.

We don't want indifferent players who have a casual or flippant attitude about improving their team and themselves. Ever. I'd rather keep a spot open for the next hungry, passionate player than allow someone who is taking up space, missing practices (or always late), someone who refuses to help his team improve.

Ask yourself: am I passionate about my team and this game? Am I hungry every day to get better? Or am I perfectly content to have these current skill and conditioning levels for the rest of my playing career? Is it painful for me to work on my game every day?

There's no right or wrong answer. There's only the truth. The sooner you know your truth, the happier you will be.

PAA schedule: 15U/13U (August)

The remaining schedule will be released later. Same with the CAL schedule.
Note: Warmups/stretching 1 hour before game time.

Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7:45 pm - Thunder vs. Sharks (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym

Thursday, Aug. 21, 7:00 pm - Thunder vs. Dream Hoops (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym

Saturday, Aug. 23, 8:30 am - Thunder vs. Swish (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 7:00 pm - Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym

Saturday, Aug. 30, 8:30 am - Thunder vs. Kalakaua (PAA 13U), Koko Head gym

FT Challenge postponed due to Julio

We don't know how hard Hurricane/Tropical Storm Julio will hit Oahu by 2 pm Sunday, so the FT Challenge is on hold. Be safe and take care of each other, Thunder ohana! And keep collecting your sponsors.

13U in PAA & CAL

We're low on numbers, but I'm taking a leap of faith (again). I contact PAA this afternoon about committing to their league. They needed a answer by tonight, so that's our response. We still need more guys, at least 2 or 3, to be sure we have 1) enough players (13U) at practice learning plays and learning to play together, and 2) to have enough guys at all games for both leagues.

Mainly, I committed because our guys who are still 12 or just turned 13 really deserve a chance to be the core of our Fall 13U squad. Now we need to find 2 or 3 more players (at least). We've got about a week before the first 13U games.

WE LUB THIS GAME!

Need to know

1. Best day for celebration party (Maryknoll JV champs, WYBT Hawaii Invitational 14U champs)" Saturday, Aug. 15 (we might have CAL League game that morning) or Sunday, Aug. 16?
Any ideas for a place? I'm thinking Big City Diner. Love their guava chicken wings and ribs.

2. We're still looking for more 13U players for PAA and CAL fall leagues. Both leagues have graciously allowed us more time to find players. Right now, we don't have a consistent 9 guys showing up to practice, same as before. I am NOT going to enter teams and spend $1,000 unless we are committed as a team. The core guys who are 100% committed are Felcris, Colin, Micah, Ryan. Guys who are committed but missing practices: Walter, Little Josh. Busy with football: Thomas, Javan. 

Chris is not playing football right now, but may join a team soon. Javan will make it to games when he's not busy with football. Kapaa and Big Josh turn 14 this month, too old for 13U. 

So ... I really want us to have a team so our core guys can keep developing. So guys, please find friends at school who want to play and be committed. If Chris doesn't play football and goes with basketball 100%, that would be HUGE. We go from being a team with barely enough players to a title contender. 

I want to have a clear vision by this weekend, especially so CAL and PAA will be able to adjust their 13U schedules. 

15U - we're set for PAA and CAL. Plenty of numbers. Just need to show up to practice and get better. 

WE LUB THIS GAME! 

This week

## This week ##
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 10:00 am - Optional hill run (Palolo). 
Sunday, 2:00 pm - FT Challenge, McCully.
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Wednesday, 7:45 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Sharks (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 6:45 pm.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

My apologies

My apologies guys. I was not sharp at all tonight. Tired from work. Editing videos for work and Thunder all night. Not enough sleep. The game felt like it went by so quickly. I had to remind myself that PAA games are played in halves, not quarters with stop clock on all whistles like the Kona tournament and CAL League. We'll work out tomorrow, then Friday off. After winning 7 of our last 8 games, beating varsity teams, mainland teams, we'll bounce back. I'm going to be rested and sharp for you. WE LUB THIS GAME!

Tar Heels 44, H1 Thunder 38 (15U)

PAA League, 15U Division, Kilauea gym
Lethargic? Maybe. But the Tar Heels stayed close all game, tied it up and finished with a 10-4 run to beat us. We didn't play great, we didn't play bad. Some notes before I download the game video (thank you, Eric Murobayashi!):

>> We needed to put a lid on the Tar Heels' 3-point shooters, and we did most of the time. We'll learn (quickly, I hope) that closing out doesn't mean standing there with a hand at chest level. It means completely challenging the shooter with a hand up to the sky, and forcing him to dribble. Especially a team like this that has always relied on the 3.

>> We attacked through the low post early with effectiveness, but didn't go there late because I called a lot of high post plays. Tar Heels did a good job adjusting and planting double-team help in the paint.

>> Turnovers. The slower pace means each possession is more important and we had some giveaways in the final 3 minutes. Anu had some miscues and it wasn't until after the game that he told me he couldn't feel his arm (left forearm), which he had bruised at practice earlier today. That's the kind of stuff a coach needs to know, so please let me know before, not afterward.

>> Fatigue. This was our first game since returning from Kona, where we played with great intensity. But I was tired myself from a super busy stretch of work, staying up late (until 5 or 6 am). I didn't bring enough intensity and energy and the rest of the team fed off that to a large extent.

Compounding that problem is that three of our guys had football practice in the afternoon, and I know two of them had nothing to eat before the game. We need to plan better for this, and normally we do. This time we didn't and it had an effect. We'll fix it.

Finally, it's a little bit strange coming back to Oahu and playing short games again. In Kona, it was stop-clock action all the way, 8 minutes per quarter, long and fun games. In PAA, it's a short game with running clock through everything but time outs. We'll get readjusted.

Hopefully, we all get more rest and more food in our bellies before late games like this (7:45 pm). I'm going to get us back to a fast pace so we can get more out of our bench. Players win games and coaches lose games. This one is very clearly on me.

I hope we meet the Tar Heels again in the playoffs. It's going to be an interesting run to the title game. That's where I see us going.

WE LUB THIS GAME!

Next: Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.

Game Day

In case you haven't been keeping up, H1 Thunder plays the Tar Heels today (Wed), 7:45 pm, at Kilauea gym in the PAA 15U League. BRING BOTH UNIFORMS.

Check with me 551-1054 if you need a ride. Plan on being there by 6:45 for warmups and stretching.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

Video: Thunder vs Kona Stingrays (14U)

vs Kona Stingrays 7/28/2014 (WYBT 14U)
video: Ray Ramos
score: Thunder 68, Stingrays 54

Fall leagues and costs

PAA 15U starts on Wednesday (tomorrow). CAL 15U starts in about two weeks, as do 13U for both leagues. I'm asking parents to chip in for the cost of each team. CAL charges $460 and PAA charges $475 per team (might be $500, I need to double check). If each player can chip in $40 for each division team, that would help me greatly.

If you can't afford $40, then try $20. If that's too much, don't worry about it. We've got fundraisers coming up. Every dollar helps, so if you can, please kokua. Mahalo!

WE LUB THIS GAME!

Tuesday funday

Good workout today at Makiki Park. Got some defensive work in, some basics on offense. It all starts with defense!

Lineup: Colin Micah Ramos, Chase Santos, Kapaa Nishimura, Radyn Kaleikini, Ryan Higashionna, Sierra Murobayashi, Josh Roberts, Christian Salas.

Next: Wednesday, 7:45 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Tar Heels (PAA 15U), Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 6:45 pm, outside court.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

Monday funday

Got some solid shooting and triple threat work in today despite a constant breeze. We were 5 strong along with Kapaa's friend, Christian Salas. We also got some halfcourt offensive work in, working out the kinks, before the guys went 3-on-3 for the final 15-20 minutes. We'll be back at it tomorrow. 

Lineup: Radyn Kaleikini, Kapaa Nishimura, Chase Santos, Ryan Higashionna, Walter Berthold, Christian Salas.

Next: Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

This week (updated 8/4 10:30 pm)

Be aware of the hurricane watch. Oahu may be hit by Hurricane Iselle on Wednesday. There's Hurricane Julio right behind Iselle. If the weather stays good and the hurricanes drift away, we'll stick to the practice schedule below.
Time to sharpen the tools!

UPDATE 10:30 pm - Adds PAA 15U schedule

Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice, Makiki Park.
Wednesday, 7:45 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Tar Heels, Kilauea gym. Warmups/stretching 6:45 pm, outside court.
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice, Makiki Park.
Friday - No practice. (I have work.)
Saturday, 10:00 am - Optional hill run (Palolo).
Sunday, 2:00 pm - Free-Throw Challenge at McCully. Gather up all the sponsors you can. We'll shoot free throws so you can start the collection. If you need the forms, let me know.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

Video: Thunder vs Ali‘i (14U)

vs Ali‘i 7/20/2014 (NJB Classic 14U)
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Ali‘i 43, Thunder 42 (semifinal)

Video: Thunder vs Hoops Mana (CA) (14U)

vs Team Hoops Mana (CA/HI) 7/19/2014 (NJB Classic 14U)
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 60, Mana 54 (quarterfinal)

Video: Thunder vs Team Lihue (14U)

vs Team Lihue 7/19/2014 (NJB Classic 14U)
video: Eric Murobayashi
score: Thunder 68, Lihue 16 (pool play)

Happy Birthday, Big Josh!

Another birthday is here. HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY, JOSH!
A toast to the birthday boy! Josh M DE Jesus Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain

Monday funday

Got some solid shooting and triple threat work in today despite a constant breeze. We were 5 strong along with Kapaa's friend, Christian Salas. We also got some halfcourt offensive work in, working out the kinks, before the guys went 3-on-3 for the final 15-20 minutes. We'll be back at it tomorrow. 

Lineup: Radyn Kaleikini, Kapaa Nishimura, Chase Santos, Ryan Higashionna, Walter Berthold, Christian Salas. 

Next: Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

Blessed by our angels

BIG MAHALO to Mrs. Patti Chang for donating generously to the H1 Thunder again. We are blessed with many angels, none quite as kind as Mrs. Chang. Thank you!! 

Video: Thunder vs Hanakila (14U)

vs Hanakila (Kapaa) 7/28/2014 (WYBT 14U)
video: Nathan Higashionna
score: Thunder 65, Hanakila 50

Sunday funday

Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain and Josh M DE Jesus getting shooting and 1-on-1 in. Ryan Higashionna just got here. Fun, breezy afternoon at Makiki Park. Later, we got about 200 shots in for each of the Thunder, everything from layups to mid-range to long-range shooting. Nothing like reps for an hour while everybody else sleeps.

WE LUB THIS GAME!

Josh turns 14 today (Aug. 4).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSH!

Video: Thunder vs Bay Area (14U)

vs Bay Area Renegades 7/27/2014 (WYBT 14U)
video: Nathan Higashionna
score: Thunder 63, Renegades 58

Video: Thunder vs Kealakehe (varsity)

vs Kealakehe 7/25/2014 (Big West/HISOA Varsity)
video: Nathan Higashionna
score: Thunder 51, Kealakehe 40

Video: Thunder vs Islanders (14U)

vs Islanders (Kona) 7/27/2014 (WYBT 14U)
video: Nathan Higashionna
score: Thunder 69, Islanders 45

This week (Aug. 3-10)

Sunday, 4:00 pm - Optional hill run (Palolo). One guy, 10 guys, however many guys want to condition, call/text me and I'll be there at Carlos Long St.
Sunday, 5:30 pm - Optional shooting practice (Makiki Park). Again, contact me 551-1054 and I'll bring the basketballs. Sharpening time!
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice, Makiki Park.
Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice, Makiki Park.
Wednesday, TBA - H1 Thunder 15U was scheduled to play in PAA League, but another team dropped out and the league is reworking the schedule. We may or may not have a game.
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice, Makiki Park.
Friday - No practice planned, but this could change. Depends on the rest of the week.
Saturday - Our 15U was scheduled to play, but again PAA may change the schedule. Stay tuned.
Sunday, 2:00 pm - Free-Throw Challenge. Gather up all the sponsors you can. We'll shoot free throws so you can start the collection. If you need the forms, let me know.
WE LUB THIS GAME!

Video: Thunder vs Rise Above V (varsity)

Big West Conference Officials/HISOA (Hawaii Island Sports Officials Association) Varsity Exhibition Tournament. Friday, July 25, 2014. Kekuaokalani Gymnasium, Kailua-Kona.
video: Nathan Higashionna
score: Thunder 38, Rise (Hilo Vikings) 20