When Kealakehe’s boys basketball team walks around 0ff the court, one thing stands out: the Waveriders pass the eye test.
The key for Kealakehe this season will be maximizing its potential so it can look as good on the court.
“We are blessed to have them,” first-year coach Daniel Kamakau said Saturday after his team’s preseason finale, a 46-42 loss to Kohala.
Kamakau was eluding to the opportunity to lead young men, but he just as well could have been talking about his team’s size or senior leadership.
From 6-foot-5 junior center Abraham Kalavi on down, few BIIF teams will be as physically imposing as the Waveriders, and they have eight seniors.
Kealakehe, however, struggled in the preseason, especially with field-goal shooting and turnovers, finishing 0-6 after two tournaments.
The Waveriders reached the BIIF Division I semifinals last season, though all four of their players who made honorable mention all-BIIF graduated.
“We have to get better at putting the ball in the basket,” Kamakau said. “Absolutely, we can take advantage of our height. But you can be (tall) and play like your 5-2. You can be 5-7 and play like your 6-11.
“You’re only as strong as your weakest link.”
Kealakehe opened its regular season Monday at home against Waiakea, but fell to the Warriors 77-54.
Calvin Mattos scored 20 points to lead Waiakea and Louie Ondo (19 points) and Kenneth Bugado (10 points) also scored in double figures.
Blaine Broberg would be one of tallest players on many teams, but is expected to take on more ball-handling this season. He had a game-high 27 on Monday.
“Whatever opportunity presents itself, he has to fill that role,” Kamakau said. “He’s a smart player. He has intellectual maturity.”
He uses the same words when he talks about Kaulia and senior point guard Michael Jacinto.
“Anytime you have maturity, that makes a big difference,” Kamakau said.
While the Waveriders will try to take advantage of their size in the post, much of their success will be dictated by the play of guards such as Jacinto and sophomore Makana Kaiawe-Kalua’u.
Senior forward Kobe Antolin is a bowling ball when he’s trying to run over players with the ball in his hands on the football field, and he can also use his bulk in the paint.
“He’s a defensive specialist and strong rebounder,” Kamakau said.
If Kealakehe struggles offensively, then perhaps it can rely on defense and effort. Kamakau likes his athletic roster enough to commit to a man-to-man philosophy.
“It’s fun, they get to perspire, work, everybody should be able to play this game,” he said. “If you play that style of game it’s fun. Go home and your clothes are all soaked.”
By the looks of the preseason, none of the other five teams in Division I – Konawaena, Kamehameha, Waiakea, Keaau and Hilo – will be anything close to resembling a pushover, and the Waveriders have their work cut out for them.
Of course, looks can be deceiving.
For the Kealakehe to thrive, Kamakau stressed intangibles such as unity and emotion.
“I think the journey is to get better every time we hit the court,” he said. “It’s always about competing against yourself. It’s about self-improvement. It’s about being better today than we were the day before.
“But that takes hard work, smart play and determination.”
