Lady Chargers Celebrate Red West Title With Service
By Jack Danilewicz
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS | Share
Del.icio.usThe Pearl City girls’ basketball team’s celebration after capturing the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West regular-season title last week was short but undeniably sweet.
“It was pretty low-key,” coach Mike Morton said. “The girls were just really happy. I told them to enjoy this but that we have a couple of other goals still in mind. You have to enjoy this, though.
“The potential was there, and we’ve worked hard the last two years to have the opportunity, so we’re feeling good right now,” he added.
And what was the Chargers’ reward for winning their first league championship since 2002? They got Friday off of practice.
Well, sort of.
“We’re having them come in to do a little community service,” Morton said last Friday.“They’ll clean up the bleachers, do everything needed to (refurbish) the floor and repaint the storage room.”
The Chargers’ dream season marches on, meanwhile. While pairings were still being finalized at press time for the OIA post-season tournament, Pearl City (11-1) expects to host a second-round game on Wednesday versus Castle, Aiea or Campbell, depending on Tuesday’s results. Should the Chargers win, they would move on to a game on Saturday at a site to be determined. The OIA title game will take place Feb. 11 or 13.
The Chargers enter Wednesday’s first-round game on a six-game win streak after sweeping the second round of their Red West slate. Pearl City’s only loss in the league came on Dec. 30 to Mililani (38-36). The Chargers left the Trojans firmly in the rear-view mirror in the second round meeting between the teams last Thursday at Kalani, 48-33, before a statewide television audience on OC-16. That game showcased the Chargers’ defensive play, above all.
“Looking at the tape again, our defense was outstanding,” Morton said. “Our offense was good, but we have to be happy about the defense. We’ve been able to shut down specific people, which has been the plan. I think (Mililani stand-out Amber) Ogata took only one shot.
“We want to be in their face as soon as they get into the gym,” he added, “and when they put the ball on the floor, we’re going to double them. Defense is about work ethic and desire.”
Guard Jordan Ahakuelo led the way for the Chargers with 12 points and another solid floor game.
“Jordan’s a leader by example - she does the things on the court that we need to get done,” Morton said.
The Chargers also have received solid play throughout their rotation, which includes Keshia Manning, Glacen Florita, Leina Vasquez, Sabrina Angle, Shawna Angle, Alana Kaili, A.J. Sylva and Tearaina Meyer.
“Our chemistry is coming together,” he said. “The girls coming in off the bench have played well.”
The Chargers’ inside-outside play has been a huge boost to their success. In addition to the steady play of Manning inside, Morton had high praise for both Kaili and Meyer, who has battled back from a torn ACL between her sophomore and junior seasons.
“It’s all coming together,” Morton said. “We’ve been getting more minutes from ‘Raina. Alana has taken the pressure off of Keshia, who has been really good on the boards. Glacen has really stepped up her game. She’s been solid for us in the big games against Kapolei and Mililani.”
Pearl City also has shot well from the perimeter, helping to open up the inside game.
“It’s good when you have two or three people who are hitting (from the outside),” he said.
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS
Most Recent Comment(s):
