‘Road Trip’ Strengthens Mules
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usLeilehua boys basketball coach Keith Spencer left nothing to chance in striving for team cohesiveness when during a recent trip to Las Vegas recently for the “Main Event” tournament.
Instead of taking rooms in a hotel, the Mules were a scene right out of reality TV as 15 members of the entourage shared a five-bedroom house.
“It was the first time I’ve ever lived with 10 kids, and I really enjoyed it,” admitted Spencer.“We wanted them to bond with each other, and we also wanted to keep them away from the casinos. I got to know the newcomers, and I got to know more about our upperclassmen, and they were able to see the other side of me.
“A lot of them didn’t even know I have a wife (Melody) and two kids (Kaylee and R.J.),” added Spencer, who provided a rendition of Just My Imagination on the karaoke machine.
The “Main Event” is one of the most visible prep basketball tournaments in the country, with 550 teams taking part this year from July 22 to 26. As expected, Spencer and Company faced stiff competition against teams from Texas,Maryland, California and Canada.
“In our game against Maryland, their two guards were 6-(feet)4 and 6-5, and their other three starters were 6-8, 6-8 and 6-9. The amount of talent there was unbelievable. I was in basketball heaven, and it was nice for the kids to experience big-time basketball.
“It was a great experience (overall). I want to say a thank you to (JV coach) Pat Wetzel, who first put the idea in my ear. He did a lot of the organizing, along with my wife, who has been very helpful behind the scenes. And all of our parents did a great job of getting this done.”
Although Leilehua lost all four games, Spencer expects the experience to pay dividends down the road. In addition to six returning lettermen, Leilehua also had four incoming freshmen on the roster.
“It gave the new kids a chance to learn some of the things they’ll be learning in November, so they got a jump-start on the season.”
“Even though we went 0-4, I was really proud of the kids. They were able to play hard throughout every game, regardless.We were ahead by 11 against California and ended up losing by 14. Talent will win out (in the end), but the kids played tough, and they were fearless.”
After a 6-6 season last winter, Leilehua should be one of the more interesting teams to track in the OIA’s West Conference this season. The Mules will build around senior power forward Kolwin Dixon, a third-year varsity player.
“He’ll be one of our leaders. He had a great junior year,and he’s been getting bigger and stronger in the weight room. His ability to rebound on the offensive end is his strength.”
Spencer also has high hopes for James Samuel, Andrew Manley, Hoku Kama and Chase Acohido.
“Chase was a big surprise, although we thought he had it in him. He shot the ball really well, and he did a fine job of defending,which is something we talked to him about. Hoku and James were both steady. James showed he’s ready to share in the point guard duties.”
Leilehua begins practice for the upcoming season on Nov. 12.
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