The 2016 season was filled with heartbreak for the Konawaena baseball team. The Wildcats watched as several games slipped through the cracks in the late innings as the team struggled to find consistency in the field and on the hill.
Despite Konawaena’s untimely walks and errors, which normally came in the fifth inning or later, and usually sent games spiraling out of control, the Wildcats still managed to place second in the league in Division II, finishing runner-up to Kamehameha-Hawaii.
However, Konawaena couldn’t stay out of its own way in the state tournament, falling to Kapolei at Wong Stadium in a first round game the Wildcats should have won.
Konawaena held a 5-0 lead through three innings but two walks in the fourth allowed Kapolei to cut the deficit to three. In the fifth another walk came around to score, but the Wildcats still maintained a two-run advantage before entering the bottom of the seventh.
After two quick outs, a pair of walks came back to haunt Konawaena as the next batter hit a game ending three-run home run to give the Wildcats a loss, preventing the team from moving on in the championship bracket for the first time.
“That game was getting really edgy down the stretch and I called a timeout to try an settle the guys, but a hanging curve ended all that,” said Konawaena coach Adam Tabieros. “Every person on this team this year remembers that game and we are using it as motivation.”
A big loss in baseball, especially a heartbreaking one, can turn a team around. The potential is there for the Wildcats, who return all but three starters, including a middle infield that Tabieros can’t stop talking about.
Leading the infield is shortstop Kaiya Leleiwi, who is heading into his fourth year with the team.
“Kaiya is a silky smooth fielder and he provides a positive attitude and leadership to the team,” Tabieros said. “His bat is getting better, he has quick hands, and he is trying to go both ways. He is a flashy guy and can drop down a bunt at any moment.”
At second base stands Andrew Udac, a player that Tabieros refers to as the “best athlete on the team.”
“He has great hands and a strong arm,” the coach said. “If they can play up to their capabilities then this is a middle infield that can get the job done.”
Saving some of his high praise for his first baseman, Tabieros says that Stevie Texeira is a nice complement to the middle infield.
“He always has a shot at the short hops,” Tabieros said. “He has a very good glove and can help out with the bad plays. He also can hit with power and is a good 3-4-5 batter.”
Rounding out the infield is third baseman Kolu Alani, the only player to not start at the position last year. He is filling in for Tevin Canda, who decided not to play baseball this year.
“Alani is a smart player and he can block every ball that comes his way,” Tabieros said. “He is a leader by example and is also getting better with his footwork.”
Konawaena did lose its ace pitcher last season in Logan Canda. Tabieros will now look at Tristan DeAguiar to step into the role. DeAguiar will lead a deep staff that includes Texeira, Alani, Udac and a transfer student from Montana, Bryce Dordall.
“Tristan came out shining last year,” Tabieros said. “He has good location, can change speeds well, and has really worked hard on his off-speed pitches, which complement his fastball, which has picked up a lot of speed this year. He is a good ground-ball pitcher.”
The pitching staff will have a new battery mate behind the plate. Gone is Tyler Kitaoka and taking his place will be Kanai Rivera.
“Kanai is a hard worker and wants to get better every day,” Tabieros said. “Although he is not a Tyler caliber catcher, he has the potential to be one. He absorbs any information we throw his way.”
The outfield pretty much returns intact with AJ Allred in right and Vohn Yamaguchi in center.
“AJ had a bunch of assists last year, has a very good arm, and shows a lot of mental toughness,” Tabieros said. “He understands the position and can cover a lot of ground.”
“Vohn is also fast and has a strong arm,” Tabieros added. “He is pretty much our No. 3 guy in the lineup and is a tough out at the plate. He hits the ball hard and can go in all directions.”
In left, Dordall and Boaz Ayers will share time at the position.
“They complement each other well,” Tabieros said. “I trust both of them.”
Tabieros believes this team can overcome the problems that plagued the team last year.
“We are more physically and mentally tougher, but we need to get tougher,” Tabieros said. “We played a preseason game against Kamehameha and you could tell the confidence was not all there. We need to get that confidence and the coaches believe they can do it.”
Konawaena will open its season on Thursday with an away game at Kohala. Game time is set for 3 p.m.
Kamehameha 22, Honokaa 5
Dustin Asuncion had a game to remember. The Warrior sophomore batted 3 for 3, scored four runs and had five RBIs, drilling a double and triple.
Kyran Kai and Jai Cabatbat each went 2 for 2 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Kobie Kinzie had no official plate appearances but scored three runs and had two RBIs. Kekona Naipo-Arsiga added two RBIs.
Tai Atkins pitched two innings of three-run ball (one unearned run) for the TKO five-inning win. He allowed a hit, three walks and whiffed two.
Zakaia Michaels pitched two innings of two-run relief, and Kai threw a perfect inning.
Caden Perreira pitched 1 2/3 innings in the loss. Antonio Molina followed with 1 2/3 innings in relief, and Ocean Beamer and Kelvin Falk each recorded an out.
Kalae Pauli batted 2 for 2 with two runs scored and an RBI to lead the Dragons.
Honokaa 030 200 — 5
Kamehameha 730 12x — 22
Waiakea 8, Keaau 1
David Nakamura fired five innings of one-hit ball, walked three and whiffed 10. Cody Hirata followed with two scoreless innings and struck out five.
Anthony Benevides batted 2 for 2 with three RBIs, Nate Minami 3 for 3 with an RBI, and Casey Yamauchi 2 for 4 with two runs scored. Jacob Igawa went 2 for 4.
Edward Ogum pitched five innings in the loss. Ricky Rapoza and Dylan Kamakea followed with an inning in relief.
Waiakea 003 005 0 — 8 12 1
Keaau 001 000 0 — 1 1 4