H1 Thunder: 2014-15 JV review

Back-to-back league titles in consecutive seasons, that's not an easy feat. There are plenty of quality programs around the island.

When I think about our guys who won the Ikaika League spring title and Le Jardin summer crown, there's maturity, unity and ownership that come to mind. Mature enough to battle through every challenge together. Unified as one. Not a real talkative group, but definitely of one mind and mentality. The guys took command when things got tough, doing all the necessary work defensively, on the boards. Didn't matter if we were the taller team or clearly outsized, which was the case in all our playoff games. 

Talent is one thing, but desire and composure require more than just being athletic. When we needed a boost from our coaches, they stepped up. Coach Rob and Coach Kalei prefer being dads in the bleachers, but they came through big time to guide our team in the quarterfinals and semifinals while our roster was split between Oahu and Maui. They did whatever it took for our crew of six players to emerge victorious. That takes savvy, smarts and finesse all at the same time. 

It was a great run from the spring through the summer. 9-1 at Ikaika League. 13-1 at Le Jardin. Championships or not, one of the most coachable and quietly driven groups we've had. Thanks for the fun times, guys. 

The Core

#4 Chase Santos

"Most Improved" isn't the right term. Most versatile? Maybe. Chase has grown about 3 inches this year, and during that time he has also gotten stronger without losing his quickness. It is rare to find a player can cover any position, close out on 3-point shooters, block shots, rebound, handle the ball as a point forward, shoot the 3, hit the short-range jump hook. He got better in so many different facets of the game as he grew, if you never saw him play before, you might think — as one coach said to me after a game — that he was always a standout kind of player. He does it quietly and he does it persistently. When he locked down on opposing scorers, they couldn't do any more damage. Versatile, definitely. And one of our most valuable players. 

#9 Mosi Afe

Turbo Boost. Mosi has always been a big part of our engine as a team on defense, on offense, on the boards, on the perimeter. This is a year when he has played as much basketball non-stop as he did back 3 years ago when he was 12 and we had just started our younger group. As time goes by, Mosi is learning to contain and control his amazing speed and acceleration. He's put a lot of work lately into his perimeter shot, his floater, his change of speed on those explosive drives. With him there consistently, our fullcourt and halfcourt pressure increases in a big, big way. Mosi is a clear example of a guy with unique skills and abilities, yet he enjoys sharing success as much or more than anyone. Sometimes he passes the ball when he should be shooting. It's a good problem, actually, his balance of unselfishness and willingness to be one of the guys who attacks a tough defense is rare. Two coaches in the past week told me the same thing: "He's a beast." 

#15 Sierra Murobayashi

Whether she started or came off the bench, Sierra was tough defensively, unafraid of the physical play in the paint, always contesting shots. Her strength and quickness have improved, and her daily commitment to shooting drills shows. Her 3-point shot is more accurate than ever, and when she hit one, two, three or more in a row, we always got a major momentum surge on both ends of the floor. Knowing when to pull the trigger can be tough to understand for some long-range gunners, but Sierra has gained that understanding. She plays like a veteran. 

#22 Kali‘a Mielke

I could not really explain easily to another coach or parent or observer what Kali‘a means to us. He's everybody's friend. He makes you laugh. He reaches out. He's a guy who brings people together. But that's off the court. On the court, he's a thinking man who is equally an aggressor on the low post. He's a guard in a lineman's body, but he's not married to the idea of being on the wing full time. He loves physical play, which is why we were fine on the boards even when our center, Tenchi, was resting on the bench. A lot of players are not easily coachable by the time they're almost in high school, but Kali‘a soaks everything up. His court vision and passing skills make it much easier for us to go small or big any time he's on the floor. His work at improving his 3-point shot is also a game changer. But more than that, Kali‘a has the power to make people believe. That's why he's a key part of our championships. 

#25 Radyn Kaleikini

If Kali‘a is sometimes a point forward, Radyn is a power guard. Here's the deal. In our earlier years, when we had an assemblage of 6-6 and 6-2 guys (2010 17U team), Radyn would've been a guard shooting 5 to 10 treys per game. In this era, we didn't have that kind of size (until Tenchi arrived). So our system evolved, changed, adjusted. Radyn brought shooting skills, a ferocious will to attack the rim, and a fearless attitude about rebounding against players 6 inches taller. At the beginning — early summer of 2014 — he scrapped and did everything he could to carry our depleted 15U team. But now, we have a blessing of depth and versatility on the roster. He could still be a 3-point shooting guard. But to win championships, we needed consistency. Easy layups. Free throws. And Radyn learned to become that guy, driving relentlessly against all these man-to-man defenses, sacrificing his body, taking every hit, hack and elbow to get to the line. At the line, he's one of our best. And that ingrained competitiveness he has, that was a big reason we won the Ikaika League, through sheer willpower and heart. It continued with Le Jardin League, using his strength and size and finesse to overcome faster defenders, taller defenders, defenders ganging up in the paint. And he had the court vision and anticipation to become a nice kick-out passer. He has the total package, even posting up at the right time. There's a reason why Pac-Five still wanted him to join the football team. But as long as he's hungry for basketball, he's only going to get better in every facet. 

#44 Tenchi Robinson

It's not easy balancing the demands of Maryknoll basketball's offseason training and the busy schedule of H1 Thunder practices and games. Tenchi has been worn out at times, a 6-foot-9 guy being asked to do things that are usually reserved for 5-9 guys. But he works diligently. Low post drills. Wing drills. 3-point shooting drills. He's learned to become a protector at the rim rather than chasing opposing players on the fastbreak. There's so much potential in Tenchi, and he's doing his best. I keep pushing him, hard sometimes, softer sometimes. I know he loves the game and I know he really enjoys his teammates. He's probably one of the funniest guys on the team even though he doesn't really talk the most. Tenchi has a big heart for the younger guys, and it doesn't matter much to him the age of the guys who show up to practice. He keeps working. He keeps having fun. He keeps things in perspective. And I want him to keep honing his shooting form. He has a beautiful stroke from the 3-point line and beyond — when we do our one-hand shooting drill. A tremendous shot blocker with a crazy wide wing span who can score on the post, hit the open 3 AND is left-handed... I don't think Tenchi completely realizes yet how unique that set of skills could be. And it doesn't matter. All that matters is that he loves his team and, hopefully, he loves working toward his dreams with each rep, every day. 

Key role players

#0 Micah Visoria

Sure, having 8th graders on the roster is good for their experience whether they play a lot or not. But Micah always brought basketball IQ, a deadly 3-point shot and willingness to play physical. Diving for loose balls. Battling bigger players on the boards. He was better than most of the 9th and 10th grade guards in the league. 

#2 Kapaa Nishimura

He missed the regular season in this league while playing for the Thunder and his school team in the Kalani Varsity League. When our numbers sank dangerously low, Kapaa stepped up and not only helped us avoid forfeiting games, but became a force attacking the basket and playing opportunistic defense as a 6-2 rebounding guard. That mentality added huge bonuses to our team, and when he hit those long-range bombs, dagger time. 

#3 Kyle Moraga

He had ups and downs in the spring, missing a lot of time on the court but making it to games when he could. Kyle got back in the groove during the playoffs and had his best day in the championship game of the Ikaika League with clutch perimeter shooting. The old Kyle was back. He didn't play with us in Le Jardin JV League, but it was a nostalgic stretch of time to see him wearing Thunder orange and teal again. 

#5 Jared Elwin

He was busy, busy, busy with Roosevelt volleyball in the spring and the annual summer training at his Grandpa's house (boxing lessons three times a week, running hills, etc.). But Jared made it to a few games in Ikaika League and gave us the same, great on-ball defense, rebounding, floor leadership, penetration, shooting, passing... he's got as good an all-around package of skills as any guard at the freshman level, and he has toughness. I'd call him "Nails" but he's one of the nicest kids and leaders we've had. We just miss him a lot.

#6 Ryan Higashionna

Probably the youngest starting guard in the league. With so many offensive weapons on the floor, Ryan did what he always does: he finds his niche, runs the offense, takes advantage of weaknesses in the defense and plays great defense. He's gotten stronger and smarter in the years since he was 11 going up against 13- and 14-year-olds. He is a glue guy, a crucial part of an efficient, wise offensive set each time. The ball moves when Ryan is on the court, and as his offense continues to progress — he has a killer left-handed Euro-step move plus 3-point range — he will be impossible to neutralize.

#7 Josh De Jesus

Josh made it to just one game, but his willingness to play any position, to guard primary scorers and be patient before launching his dangerous 3-point shot fit right in with all our older Thunder. He's another 8th grader who plays like a 10th grader. 

#10 Josh Roberts

Josh made it to a few games, I think, and gave us great hustle and defense, a willingness to battle on the boards against taller guys. He's unselfish and he's getting better from the perimeter. Always in top shape thanks to a busy schedule in Saint Louis athletics. As his shooting continues to improve, he has the potential to be another tremendously solid all-around player. Classic Thunder. 

#12 Jance Apuya

I can't remember if he reinjured his foot before or after Le Jardin League started, but I list Jance mainly because he was there. HE WAS THERE. With his walking boot on, Jance would be there on the bench in full uniform. I know he wanted to play. I know he knew that he could not. But his heart, his spirit... he was there not just mentally, but physically. That meant a lot to me and our other guys, especially our 8th graders who played with Jance in Intermediate and 13U the past year. I'm looking forward to a healthy Jance real soon. Almost nobody works harder every single day. 

#13 Jason Doyle

Jason is another eighth grader who made it to one game — and he saved us from a possible forfeit, and also played a nice role in the win. The way he played against a team of sophomores and freshmen showed a lot. He was still getting acclimated to our system as a newer player, but what he already possessed is a knack for taking care of the ball, keeping it high, pivoting, making the right pass at the right time for buckets. Tough and unselfish. We seem to draw that kind of player, that kind of person. It keeps my hopes high. 

#17 Jayden Ramos

Like some of our other 8th graders, Jayden made it to just a few games, but his ability to defend, play physical and run the floor during our playoff run was plus, plus and plus. When a role player off the bench can do all that, plus stretch the floor with his or her 3-point range, it helps us compete against any foe. Jayden has a good collection of skills and as a seventh grader, he has so much time to become a terrific contributor. He's got those broad shoulders and reminds me sometimes of another young bomber I got to see back in the day: Coach Jimmy Miyasaka. 

#21 Chris Afe

He missed the Le Jardin season, but he was there for our run to the Ikaika title. Chris could score 20 points or 2 points, but his real value to us is always a combination of rebounding, blocked shots and, probably most important, passing. Outlet passes. Interior passes. Post-to-3-point shot passes. Chris' court vision has always been outstanding in a very basic, fundamental way, going back to when he was 11 and on our early 12U and 13U teams. He can shoot the 3, especially when he gets enough reps during the week, and he has eye-popping explosiveness on drives to the basket. But he always plays within himself, always gives what the team needs. If not for his tremendous future in football (he's a QB), he'd be playing basketball every day. He would've been the cornerstone of our 8th grade team over the past two years if not for year-round football, but we're glad when he can make it to the court.

#23 Felcris Ahadain

On our Intermediate squad, Felcris is a huge factor on offense, a distributor and scorer, and an increasingly tough defender on the ball. On our talented JV unit, he was another 8th grader with a lot to offer off the bench, occasionally starting. There aren't many Thunder who spend as much time as he does alone at the court, working on his moves and shots. Playing with our older guys has helped Felcris advance as a playmaker who can drive, use his vision and either move the ball to the open man or simply dribble through and reset the offense. Felcris is as eager as any of our guys to take a pressure short, and he has been clutch before and will be clutch in the future. He's unique, hard working and one of the guys who is devoted to his Thunder brothers and the game. 

#24 Jonah Gormley

His speed. His speed went very good to outstanding over the last couple of months. Some of it may have been simple maturation. But I know it started to really take off after he began playing football for his school (Aiea). As an 8th grader, he is a key part of our younger team and a solid contributor to our JV squad. Jonah worked hard on his 3-point shot and the rewards have been enormous for him and his teammates. He runs the floor, of course, and is tremendous at finishing with layups in transition. But it's his pressure defense and toughness that really tip the scales. He has boundless energy as the top man on our press, and his hustle on the boards, closing out on shooters and overall positivity are all plus factors that helped the team to these titles in both age groups. Like Chase, he locks down on the opposing team's top scorer when asked. His ability to accept and embrace that role changes games. 

#30 Colin Ramos

Like so many of our guys, Colin was busy with his school team during the summer, but he made it to our Le Jardin playoff games and provided that insanely quick speed, transition scoring and defense. He thrives in a fast pace, applying fullcourt pressure, attacking at every opportunity. I'm not sure if anyone has put in as many miles on a basketball court as Colin has this year, especially since joining Mid-Pacific's program. He was an 8th grader playing on every level, going to all their practices and then to Thunder practices when there was time. He's always been a fine perimeter shooter, but adding the hesitation move and mid-range floater is a great new set of weapons. As he gets older, Colin has the benefit of focusing on guard play, which will help him take less wear and tear — with our younger team, everyone had to battle huge centers and hit the boards. It'll be fun to see some of our busiest guys get more time with our Thunder this fall. 

#34 Chaz Enos

Chaz made it to a few games and got a few 3-pointers knocked down. Not bad for a 6th grader in a JV league. His court awareness and ballhandling skills continue to improve. He won't usually let any defense corner him these days. He keeps moving and his skill level as a passer has bumped up several notches. He's exposed to so much basketball through his family and Thunder, and he's a student of the game, not just an NBA fan. His future in the game will be very interesting to watch. 

#55 Jhevin Mercado 

He got busy with summer school (all the way in Kapolei), but Jhevin made it to our JV games at Le Jardin when he could and contributed some solid minutes with his hustle and 3-point shooting. When he's on, there aren't many guys on the Thunder roster who can sink treys as quickly. Jhevin is another 8th grader who saw a lot of games at both the Intermediate and JV levels. He's learning on the fly, and his great attitude helps a lot. 

I think that's everybody who played in Ikaika JV and Le Jardin JV Leagues. It was a blast from start to finish, and as we start Fall League play, I hope we can muster up enough people and practice time to make another run at the Varsity and JV levels. At this point, we're not just preparing for the Fall and our players' winter seasons with their school teams. We're starting to prepare for next summer in Las Vegas, Anaheim, Maui. Now is the time. 

WE LUB THIS GAAAAME!!!