The Kealakehe baseball program has been a work in progress over the last three years under coach Josh Hansen. Baseball on the Big Island is usually dominated by the east side, but Hansen is hoping to buck that trend and he believes he has laid down the foundation for a successful 2015 season.
“Last year we played pretty well overall and were it a lot of close games, but we had some injuries and lost some key guys in the middle of the lineup and lost a little steam heading into the playoffs,” Hansen said. “Kealakehe has not been known for its baseball program. But we have been competing against some good teams, and beating the teams we should. I think the word has got out that Kealakehe cannot be stepped on any more.”
The Waveriders enter the new season with many returning starters, but with one very noticeable absence. Gone is standout catcher Zaynan Sanchez. Sanchez is currently playing at Luna Community College in New Mexico. Sanchez was named an honorable mention on the All-BIIF D-I team last season.
Hansen is looking to fill the catching role with sophomore Hunter Cauresma, and so far he has liked what he has seen.
“He has really surprised me and made strides over the past two seasons and he is doing a heck of a job behind the plate,” Hansen said. “Hunter can call pitches and he understands the game probably more than anyone else on the team. He has to get faster, and hit the weight room, but his knowledge has really helped us out. It is like having another coach on the field.”
Kealakehe was swept out of the BIIF playoffs last season by Hilo in the semifinal round. The team returns a lot of players from that squad who have had another offseason of training and preparing in hopes of making it to the championship game in 2015.
Leading the returners are Pohaku Dela Cruz and Markus Degrate. Dela Cruz will be the number one starter this season. Dela Cruz had a solid start in a preseason game against Konawaena on Thursday but his defense struggled late in the game, costing him a chance at the win as the Wildcats won in walk-off fashion. He also brings a strong stick to the heart of the order.
Degrate will be the No. 2 pitcher this season and will also be the starting shortstop when not on the hill. He provides pop with his bat, while hitting in the three hole.
Also returning to the team are Keoki Meyers, Louie Garcia, Shaden Lewi and Dustin Waiau. Meyers is the team’s leadoff hitter and can play positions in both the infield and the outfield. Garcia is currently holding down the center field job and Lewi is a basketball player that will be coming out and hitting somewhere in the middle of the lineup, while filling a spot in the infield. Waiau is a speedster on the base path and will bat near the bottom of the lineup.
While the returners will start out the year at their respective positions, Hansen has told his guys that every position is up for grabs.
“We had more guys come out this year and competition will be key to our success,” Hansen said. “Kids are hearing about us in the community and are coming in to be apart of a program that is trying to turn the corner and get to the next level.”
Hansen went on to say that the attitude of each member of the team needs to be, “We might be buddies, but I am going to take your spot.”
With that in mind, several newcomers this year have an strong shot at cracking the starting lineup, if they haven’t done so already.
Makana Kaluau is penciled in to be the team’s starting first baseman. He will hit in the bottom third of the lineup. Duke Tamaye also received the starting nod during the preseason, playing second base. He brings a strong bat and has been hitting in the middle of the lineup. Bryton Lewi is another solid hitter and will have a shot at finding a spot in the outfield.
Hansen said that overall, he believes this team is stronger than it has been from the top to the bottom of the order.
“I like our chances and the guys are starting to learn the game,” Hansen said. “They are starting to buy into the system I have put into place.”