PAA League, JV Division, Kilauea gym
Got off to a hot start and kept hitting big shots until we were up 40-20. Remember that score? That's how much we were down last week against LBC before we rallied to win.
This time, Homegrown got hot and we cooled off. The heat and humidity took a toll, but we finally fought back when the lead was down to 42-41. Big 3-point shots by Felcris and Micah, and Colin put the game away with free throws in the final seconds.
We buckled down defensively (man to man) in those final few minutes. We were up 6 when Homegrown hit a 27-foot shot from near halfcourt to stay really close.
Tough win, very good team win. Hanging in there when adversity hits takes mental toughness and unity.
Our reserves came up big tonight. Took good care of the ball against Homegrown's press and played scrappy defense.
Lineup: Jayden, Skylar, Jance, Jason, Ryan, Kali'a Mielke, Colin Micah Ramos, Micah Visoria, Felcris Ahadain.
Next: Friday - No practice. Optional shooting (gym or park) is possible since almost everybody has the day off from school. We can try for any time before 2 pm. Or just take the day off and get your reps (3 miles, 200 shots, 50 FTs, 100 pushups, 100 crunches) in.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups at Salt Lake gym outside courts. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Next Level 808 (Ikaika JV League), Salt Lake gym.
Saturday, 11:50 am - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym. 12:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kahuku (CAL Varsity League), Kilauea gym.
Sunday, 9:20 am - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym. 10:20 am - H1 Thunder vs. Hoops4Christ (CAL 13U Gold), Kilauea gym.
Sunday, 1:00 pm - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym. 2:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. 808 Stunnahz (Ikaika JV League), Aiea gym.
WE LUB THIS GAAAAAAME!!
Showing posts with label HomeGrown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HomeGrown. Show all posts
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Homegrown 44, H1 Thunder 27 (Inter)
CAL Intermediate Gold Division, Kilauea gym
Our guys hustled, but the mental part of our game is still not quite there. We let a very big team push us around too often, and though we had some box outs here and there, we didn't have the heart from start to finish to really battle in the paint.
When we ran the floor and stepped up on the traps, we were fine. But too many of our Pups don't know where to go or when to do it. Missing practice time has hurt us as a team, and though it can't be helped, it is still a major factor in our slower-than-expected (by me) development.
Missing players (Josh D, Chris, Micah) have really hurt this winter/spring. Our first-time players are doing their best, but without our experienced guys to round out our starting lineup/rotation, the challenge is mountainous at times.
I was disappointed to hear one of our parents call out one of our players a few seconds before the game started regarding one of the weaknesses in his game. Be aware that I heard it loud and clear, and though I love all our parents, I do not tolerate this kind of stuff. If you think it's an issue, you know I already know about it. Each of our players has strengths and weaknesses he or she is working on. If you feel there's an issue, bring it to me and the team and that's the way it's done. Not yelling something from the bleachers that could easily distract the team and take their focus off what I've instructed them. Since we've been playing as the Thunder since 2010, this is the first time I've ever heard any parent do this at a game.
I hope to God that every one of our parents takes what I'm saying to heart. None of our players are perfect. None of our parents are perfect. Lord knows I am far from perfect. But when it comes to keeping our players accountable, it's the COACH who does this and nobody from the bleachers. I've always welcomed our parents to join us on the bench if they want to coach. That would be welcome. I would love it if our experienced parents or former coaches would be there on the bench to help us. But if you are NOT on the bench, please refrain from calling anybody out.
If this is not acceptable, that's fine. This might not be the right team for you and your child. I would hate to see that happen, but I won't put up with this stuff being yelled from the bleachers. Give me space to coach our Thunder or join me on the bench. Easy enough? I think so. Let's do this with love. Sometimes it's tough love, but love is key.
LOVE.
Our guys hustled, but the mental part of our game is still not quite there. We let a very big team push us around too often, and though we had some box outs here and there, we didn't have the heart from start to finish to really battle in the paint.
When we ran the floor and stepped up on the traps, we were fine. But too many of our Pups don't know where to go or when to do it. Missing practice time has hurt us as a team, and though it can't be helped, it is still a major factor in our slower-than-expected (by me) development.
Missing players (Josh D, Chris, Micah) have really hurt this winter/spring. Our first-time players are doing their best, but without our experienced guys to round out our starting lineup/rotation, the challenge is mountainous at times.
I was disappointed to hear one of our parents call out one of our players a few seconds before the game started regarding one of the weaknesses in his game. Be aware that I heard it loud and clear, and though I love all our parents, I do not tolerate this kind of stuff. If you think it's an issue, you know I already know about it. Each of our players has strengths and weaknesses he or she is working on. If you feel there's an issue, bring it to me and the team and that's the way it's done. Not yelling something from the bleachers that could easily distract the team and take their focus off what I've instructed them. Since we've been playing as the Thunder since 2010, this is the first time I've ever heard any parent do this at a game.
I hope to God that every one of our parents takes what I'm saying to heart. None of our players are perfect. None of our parents are perfect. Lord knows I am far from perfect. But when it comes to keeping our players accountable, it's the COACH who does this and nobody from the bleachers. I've always welcomed our parents to join us on the bench if they want to coach. That would be welcome. I would love it if our experienced parents or former coaches would be there on the bench to help us. But if you are NOT on the bench, please refrain from calling anybody out.
If this is not acceptable, that's fine. This might not be the right team for you and your child. I would hate to see that happen, but I won't put up with this stuff being yelled from the bleachers. Give me space to coach our Thunder or join me on the bench. Easy enough? I think so. Let's do this with love. Sometimes it's tough love, but love is key.
LOVE.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Video: 7 treys vs HomeGrown (13U)
H1 Thunder: 7 treys vs HomeGrown (CAL 13U) 9/28/2014
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 43, HomeGrown 29
Monday, October 6, 2014
Video: Thunder vs HomeGrown (15U) highlights
vs HomeGrown (CAL 15U) highlights 10/4/2014
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: HomeGrown 44, Thunder 42
Video: Thunder vs HomeGrown (13U) highlights
vs HomeGrown (CAL 13U) highlights 9/28/2014
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 43, HomeGrown 29
Sunday, October 5, 2014
HomeGrown 44, H1 Thunder 42 (15U)
CAL League, 15U Division, Kilauea gym
This was close all the way. We had the lead for most of the second half. HG played man on us and our execution was pretty good with Kali‘a on the low post, working inside-out.
Kapaa had another solid game, but he fouled out with about 2 minutes left and we were up 2 (I think). HG tied it at 42 had the ball for a final shot. We never got one. We didn't execute a play with about :10 left, called time out with :06, and HG stole our inbounds pass and scored at the buzzer for the win.
It's our first loss in CAL 15U this fall, which is pretty amazing considering all of the missing guys, busy schedules, etc. But our 5 15U Thunder today did well, as did our 3 13U Thunder who were subs. Our 13U kids got us back in the game after they entered with us trailing 12-5 at the start.
We played pretty good, but we all could've played a little better, so we take it as a team loss.
I'm proud of our guys more than anything for taking the loss well. Nobody was blaming anybody. We know we all missed shots, had a turnover or two, over the course of the game. Just about all our guys have won games with shots or steals, too. I like this about our guys. They have a tremendous sense of grace and compassion.
Lineup: Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna, Micah Visoria,Kali'a Mielke, Josh M DE Jesus, Sierra Murobayashi, Kapaa Nishimura,Gabriel Porras.
Next: Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
This was close all the way. We had the lead for most of the second half. HG played man on us and our execution was pretty good with Kali‘a on the low post, working inside-out.
Kapaa had another solid game, but he fouled out with about 2 minutes left and we were up 2 (I think). HG tied it at 42 had the ball for a final shot. We never got one. We didn't execute a play with about :10 left, called time out with :06, and HG stole our inbounds pass and scored at the buzzer for the win.
It's our first loss in CAL 15U this fall, which is pretty amazing considering all of the missing guys, busy schedules, etc. But our 5 15U Thunder today did well, as did our 3 13U Thunder who were subs. Our 13U kids got us back in the game after they entered with us trailing 12-5 at the start.
We played pretty good, but we all could've played a little better, so we take it as a team loss.
I'm proud of our guys more than anything for taking the loss well. Nobody was blaming anybody. We know we all missed shots, had a turnover or two, over the course of the game. Just about all our guys have won games with shots or steals, too. I like this about our guys. They have a tremendous sense of grace and compassion.
Lineup: Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna, Micah Visoria,Kali'a Mielke, Josh M DE Jesus, Sierra Murobayashi, Kapaa Nishimura,Gabriel Porras.
Next: Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
H1 Thunder 43, HomeGrown 29 (13U)
CAL 13U League, Kilauea gym
We were 7 strong. Some of the guys played in the 15U game earlier and were warmed up already. Great defense, great hustle and nice ball movement against another tall team. Our pressure on defense was relentless, causing a lot of turnovers. We also did a nice job of challenging their 3-point shooters and battling their big guys under the basket.
It's always good when we play physically tough and mentally sharp. Ryan was on fire with five 3-pointers. He made four of them in the first half. It was our passing and our inside attack that opened the 3-point shooting up. Colin did another great job on the high post and was a big part of our fastbreak off steals.
We got crisp passing from Felcris, Micah, Little Josh, Walter and Jayden. This was a really good team win!
Lineup: Jayden Ramos, Josh Roberts, Colin Micah Ramos, Ryan Higashionna, Micah Visoria, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Walter Berthold.
Next: Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAME!!
We were 7 strong. Some of the guys played in the 15U game earlier and were warmed up already. Great defense, great hustle and nice ball movement against another tall team. Our pressure on defense was relentless, causing a lot of turnovers. We also did a nice job of challenging their 3-point shooters and battling their big guys under the basket.
It's always good when we play physically tough and mentally sharp. Ryan was on fire with five 3-pointers. He made four of them in the first half. It was our passing and our inside attack that opened the 3-point shooting up. Colin did another great job on the high post and was a big part of our fastbreak off steals.
We got crisp passing from Felcris, Micah, Little Josh, Walter and Jayden. This was a really good team win!
Lineup: Jayden Ramos, Josh Roberts, Colin Micah Ramos, Ryan Higashionna, Micah Visoria, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Walter Berthold.
Next: Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAME!!
Saturday, September 20, 2014
H1 Thunder 34, HomeGrown 31 (13U)
PAA 13U playoffs, Kilauea gym
We were 7 strong tonight compared to 5 yesterday and that made a major difference. We played our game and opened up an 11-point lead in the second half. But HG is TALL, a 6-1 guy with nice shooting skills inside, and a couple of guys 5-10, 5-11 with size.
Last time we played them (might have been CAL 13U), they hurt us from the 3-point line, but we did a stellar job there defensively, and our 5-foot-6 and under team did pretty solid work being physical under the basket. Fullcourt pressure was key for us, too, and we can't do it as effectively with less than seven guys.
Felcris hit some big 3-pointers down the stretch. He and Colin made key free throws. We got plenty of great defense from Micah and Ryan. Little Josh, Walter and Jayven took good care of the ball and were mostly solid on defensive pressure. A great team win. Now we advance to the next round. Hopefully, we'll have at least 7 guys again.
BIG MAHALO to the Higashionnas for helping with transportation. Colin and Jayden needed a lift from Ewa, so they brought the boys in with them. Thank you, Arlene and Nathan!
Lineup: Walter Berthold, Jayven Ramos, Colin Micah Ramos, Ryan Higashionna, Micah Visoria, Josh Roberts, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain.
We were 7 strong tonight compared to 5 yesterday and that made a major difference. We played our game and opened up an 11-point lead in the second half. But HG is TALL, a 6-1 guy with nice shooting skills inside, and a couple of guys 5-10, 5-11 with size.
Last time we played them (might have been CAL 13U), they hurt us from the 3-point line, but we did a stellar job there defensively, and our 5-foot-6 and under team did pretty solid work being physical under the basket. Fullcourt pressure was key for us, too, and we can't do it as effectively with less than seven guys.
Felcris hit some big 3-pointers down the stretch. He and Colin made key free throws. We got plenty of great defense from Micah and Ryan. Little Josh, Walter and Jayven took good care of the ball and were mostly solid on defensive pressure. A great team win. Now we advance to the next round. Hopefully, we'll have at least 7 guys again.
BIG MAHALO to the Higashionnas for helping with transportation. Colin and Jayden needed a lift from Ewa, so they brought the boys in with them. Thank you, Arlene and Nathan!
Lineup: Walter Berthold, Jayven Ramos, Colin Micah Ramos, Ryan Higashionna, Micah Visoria, Josh Roberts, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain.
WE LUB THIS GAME!
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Video: H1 Thunder vs HomeGrown (15U)
vs HomeGrown (PAA 15U) 9/4/2014
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 36, HomeGrown 29
Sunday, September 7, 2014
H1 Thunder 36, HomeGrown 29 (15U)
PAA League, 15U Division, Koko Head gym
We were really low in numbers before the game, but by game time we had 8 Thunder, including Colin (got out of leadership class early) and Javan (football season). Having depth helped us a lot. It was a hot, muggy day and the game was at 12:15 pm.
Solid game against HG's man defense, a lot of smart drive and kicks to the corner. Felcris, Javan and Sierra hit big 3-pointers in the first half. In the second half, a lot of mental errors, but our defense made up for much of that. Kali‘a stopped their fastbreak and layup attempts at least four times by himself by getting perfect position. The refs did a really good job of recognizing that positioning by Kali‘a as people tried to force contact on their drives.
That's what I call intelligent aggression: being smart enough to get position and being physical enough to take the contact - or give it out when necessary. That's one of the things that Kali‘a always brings us, and it negated HG's height advantage (they had Christian, who is 6-2 or 6-3).
Solid team win. The game really changed off our fullcourt pressure and Anu attacking on the fastbreak. He scored six or eight points in a row late in the first half as we took control.
Lineup: Colin Micah Ramos, Sierra Murobayashi, Javan Montiho, Keanu Pratt, Felcris Jay Corpuz, Josh M DE Jesus, Ryan Higashionna, Kali'a Mielke.
Next: Sunday - No practice.
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAAAME!
We were really low in numbers before the game, but by game time we had 8 Thunder, including Colin (got out of leadership class early) and Javan (football season). Having depth helped us a lot. It was a hot, muggy day and the game was at 12:15 pm.
Solid game against HG's man defense, a lot of smart drive and kicks to the corner. Felcris, Javan and Sierra hit big 3-pointers in the first half. In the second half, a lot of mental errors, but our defense made up for much of that. Kali‘a stopped their fastbreak and layup attempts at least four times by himself by getting perfect position. The refs did a really good job of recognizing that positioning by Kali‘a as people tried to force contact on their drives.
That's what I call intelligent aggression: being smart enough to get position and being physical enough to take the contact - or give it out when necessary. That's one of the things that Kali‘a always brings us, and it negated HG's height advantage (they had Christian, who is 6-2 or 6-3).
Solid team win. The game really changed off our fullcourt pressure and Anu attacking on the fastbreak. He scored six or eight points in a row late in the first half as we took control.
Lineup: Colin Micah Ramos, Sierra Murobayashi, Javan Montiho, Keanu Pratt, Felcris Jay Corpuz, Josh M DE Jesus, Ryan Higashionna, Kali'a Mielke.
Next: Sunday - No practice.
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAAAME!
Video: H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (13U)
vs HomeGrown (PAA 13U) 9/4/2014
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: HomeGrown 32, Thunder 31, 2 OT
Thursday, September 4, 2014
HomeGrown 32, H1 Thunder 31, 2 OT (13U)
Great effort tonight by our shorthanded 13U (7 strong), playing our second game in as many nights. We started strong against a massive team. HomeGrown had a big 6-3 guy, a 6-1 and a 6-0. Still, we led for much of the way and it was 22-14 early in the second half before we gave up three 3-pointers in a row.
A lot of that had to do with fatigue and inexperience. No way we should let them hit an open 3, and after the first one, it's time to tighten up, but with our team being young guys, it takes time and experience to unlearn bad defensive habits. We'll get there.
We still had a 5- or 6-point lead in the final 2 minutes, but our unforced turnovers did us in. So did missed free throws on our part. HG hit two free throws with :04 left in regulation to tie it and in the first OT, we got the ball and weren't able to get a good shot. I should've called 6 or Double 9 instead of assuming someone would hit the high post and screen for Colin on top.
In the second OT, we fouled them right off the tip even though we had two guys back on defense to protect the rim. Another mistake due to inexperience. They hit the first free throw on 1-and-1 and that was the game.
I did everything I could for you guys, but this loss is on me. I just couldn't get us to execute our pressbreaker consistently. All the times we dribbled through it set us up for a crucial turnover late in regulation when we tried to dribble (again) through a double team instead of trusting our teammates, being crisp, moving the ball and cutting to open space. We were very, very lacking tonight on cutting through the middle on press breaker.
On the defensive end, even though we had lots of fouls to give, nobody fouled their big guys on the low post. Very similar to the night before, when we lacked the intelligence to be physical on the low post - give fouls and force them to take the ball out again.
I hope we learn from this and get back to fundamental, fast, smart basketball. And I hope we learn to be very physical when necessary down low against taller teams. We really miss Javan, who understands this very well. Kali‘a is another guy who is very intelligent and physical defensively.
All in all, a huge effort in defeat. We're now 2-2 in PAA 13U League with 3 more regular-season games before the playoffs. Young and shorthanded as we are, I expects us to make a run and win the championship. If that means all our guys have to run every day when there's no practice, then that's the sacrifice it will take. It kills me to see us lose to a team just because they're bigger and we didn't consistently, constantly push them out of the post. We'll learn quickly. That's my hope for all our 13U guys.
Lineup: Walter Berthold, Jayden Ramos, Colin Ramos, Micah Visoria, Felcris Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna, Josh Roberts.
Next: Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 12:15 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (PAA 15U), Koko Head gym. All 13U needed since we're shorthanded on 15U. Stretching/warmups 11:15 am.
WE LUB THIS GAAAAAAME!
A lot of that had to do with fatigue and inexperience. No way we should let them hit an open 3, and after the first one, it's time to tighten up, but with our team being young guys, it takes time and experience to unlearn bad defensive habits. We'll get there.
We still had a 5- or 6-point lead in the final 2 minutes, but our unforced turnovers did us in. So did missed free throws on our part. HG hit two free throws with :04 left in regulation to tie it and in the first OT, we got the ball and weren't able to get a good shot. I should've called 6 or Double 9 instead of assuming someone would hit the high post and screen for Colin on top.
In the second OT, we fouled them right off the tip even though we had two guys back on defense to protect the rim. Another mistake due to inexperience. They hit the first free throw on 1-and-1 and that was the game.
I did everything I could for you guys, but this loss is on me. I just couldn't get us to execute our pressbreaker consistently. All the times we dribbled through it set us up for a crucial turnover late in regulation when we tried to dribble (again) through a double team instead of trusting our teammates, being crisp, moving the ball and cutting to open space. We were very, very lacking tonight on cutting through the middle on press breaker.
On the defensive end, even though we had lots of fouls to give, nobody fouled their big guys on the low post. Very similar to the night before, when we lacked the intelligence to be physical on the low post - give fouls and force them to take the ball out again.
I hope we learn from this and get back to fundamental, fast, smart basketball. And I hope we learn to be very physical when necessary down low against taller teams. We really miss Javan, who understands this very well. Kali‘a is another guy who is very intelligent and physical defensively.
All in all, a huge effort in defeat. We're now 2-2 in PAA 13U League with 3 more regular-season games before the playoffs. Young and shorthanded as we are, I expects us to make a run and win the championship. If that means all our guys have to run every day when there's no practice, then that's the sacrifice it will take. It kills me to see us lose to a team just because they're bigger and we didn't consistently, constantly push them out of the post. We'll learn quickly. That's my hope for all our 13U guys.
Lineup: Walter Berthold, Jayden Ramos, Colin Ramos, Micah Visoria, Felcris Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna, Josh Roberts.
Next: Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 12:15 pm - H1 Thunder vs. HomeGrown (PAA 15U), Koko Head gym. All 13U needed since we're shorthanded on 15U. Stretching/warmups 11:15 am.
WE LUB THIS GAAAAAAME!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Video: H1 Thunder vs HomeGrown (15U)
vs HomeGrown 8/24/2014 (CAL 15U)
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 36, HomeGrown 16
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Video: Thunder vs HomeGrown (15U)
Compete & Learn Basketball League, 15-Under Division. Monday, June 30, 2014. Kilauea District Park gym.
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 54, HomeGrown 40
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
H1 Thunder 54, HomeGrown 40 (15U)
CAL 15U League, Kilauea gym
Strong team effort, especially on defense. HG came with a stronger lineup than last time, hitting from the perimeter. The game was close until the second half, when our fullcourt pressure wore HG down.
A lot of organized chaos out there defensively on the press. Tani, Kanehe and Kapaa were relentless, and Anu kept busy with a lot of sharp passes in transition. Chase continues to crash the offensive glass and make plays defensively. Ray was determined to attack HG's man defense and got to the line quite a few times.
Solid play from our younger Thunder, too, executing fairly well against man defense. Some of our best offensive halfcourt execution came on pick-and-rolls by Tani and Kanehe.
Lineup: Sierra Murobayashi, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna, Josh M DE Jesus, Radyn Kaleikini, Chase Santos, TanieluMosi Afe, Keanu Pratt, Kapaa Nishimura, Kanehe Nishimura.
Mahalo to Brandon Higashionna for shooting game video once again!
Next: Tuesday, 7:15 pm - Thunder vs. Kamehameha (Kalani Varsity League).
WE LUB THIS GAME!
Strong team effort, especially on defense. HG came with a stronger lineup than last time, hitting from the perimeter. The game was close until the second half, when our fullcourt pressure wore HG down.
A lot of organized chaos out there defensively on the press. Tani, Kanehe and Kapaa were relentless, and Anu kept busy with a lot of sharp passes in transition. Chase continues to crash the offensive glass and make plays defensively. Ray was determined to attack HG's man defense and got to the line quite a few times.
Solid play from our younger Thunder, too, executing fairly well against man defense. Some of our best offensive halfcourt execution came on pick-and-rolls by Tani and Kanehe.
Lineup: Sierra Murobayashi, Felcris Jay Corpuz Ahadain, Ryan Higashionna, Josh M DE Jesus, Radyn Kaleikini, Chase Santos, TanieluMosi Afe, Keanu Pratt, Kapaa Nishimura, Kanehe Nishimura.
Mahalo to Brandon Higashionna for shooting game video once again!
Next: Tuesday, 7:15 pm - Thunder vs. Kamehameha (Kalani Varsity League).
WE LUB THIS GAME!
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Video: Thunder vs HomeGrown (13U)
Forgot to post this video from Sunday, our CAL 13U League opener for the summer. Great battle between David and Goliath. You know which one we are.
vs HomeGrown 6/1/2014
CAL 13U League, McKinley gym
video: Jared Elwin / Tanielu Mosi Afe
score: Thunder 27, HomeGrown 26, OT
Monday, June 2, 2014
H1 Thunder 27, HomeGrown 26, OT (13U)
CAL 13U Division, McKinley gym
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!
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!
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Video: Thunder vs HomeGrown (15U)
vs HomeGrown 5/30/2014 (NJB All-Net 15U consolation semifinal)
video: Gerard Porras
score: Thunder 69, HomeGrown 18
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Video: Thunder vs HomeGrown (15U)
vs HomeGrown 5/18/2014 (NJB All-Net 15U)
video: Lehua Nishimura
score: Thunder 35, HomeGrown 19
Sunday, May 18, 2014
H1 Thunder 35, HomeGrown 19 (15U)
NJB All-Net League, 15U Division
Strong defensive work today. 10 Thunder strong and everybody worked their tails off defensively. We got a couple of nice backdoor reads against man defense, but we also got a lot of opportunities off our fullcourt pressure. This group really worked hard start to finish.
Great to have our returnees back from their busy schedules, including Sifo.
Big mahalo to Aunite Lehua Nishimura for shooting the game video.
Today's lineup: Kapaa Nishimura, Kanehe Nishimura, Jared Elwin, Gabriel Porras, Chase Santos, Raydyn Kaleikini, Keanu Pratt, Mosi Afe, Drake Lee, Sisifo Lauvao.
Next: Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Strong defensive work today. 10 Thunder strong and everybody worked their tails off defensively. We got a couple of nice backdoor reads against man defense, but we also got a lot of opportunities off our fullcourt pressure. This group really worked hard start to finish.
Great to have our returnees back from their busy schedules, including Sifo.
Big mahalo to Aunite Lehua Nishimura for shooting the game video.
Today's lineup: Kapaa Nishimura, Kanehe Nishimura, Jared Elwin, Gabriel Porras, Chase Santos, Raydyn Kaleikini, Keanu Pratt, Mosi Afe, Drake Lee, Sisifo Lauvao.
Next: Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LUB THIS GAME!
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