Transfer Sherece Beyer Adds To Mauraders’ B-ball Game
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usOne in a series of prep basketball previews
Waipahu’s already-formidable back court received a boost recently, and the Marauders hadn’t even played their first preseason game. With returning OIA White Conference Player of the Year already in the fold in Genivee Velasco, Marauders head coach Nadine Villarmia saw her talent pool multiply with the arrival of Kapolei-transfer Sherece Beyer.
“She’s probably our best (‘pure’) basketball player,“she said of Beyer, a 5-foot-7 junior guard/forward. “She understands the game and what needs to be done. She’s probably our best ball handler. She has deceiving speed. She can move, but the thing I like most about her is that she’s a coach on the court. She’s one to talk. We’ve usually had quiet leaders.”
If Beyer’s impact is as immediate as Villarmia expects, the team figures to have one of the better back courts in the White. In addition to Velasco’s return, senior guard Jessica Lozano is also back and will be a starter in a three-guard set.
“We tried to press and play man (-to-man) last year, but we didn’t have the speed and we ended up playing a lot of zone,” said Villarmia, whose team went 3-9 in 2008-09 in the White. “The only way to get turnovers (is to be able to press and force the issue).”
Velasco is ideally suited to set the pace for the Marauders on the defensive end. “She never gets tired,” Villarmia said. “She can be a little out of control at times, but the energy is always there.”
Villarmia labels Lozano “our hardest worker and our most improved player” after a solid off-season that included playing with the Marauders in the Pearl City summer league, which featured Mililani, Kapolei, Aiea, Castle, Leilehua and the host Chargers, among others.
“We had a minimal amount of players at times, but she was one that played (throughout) the summer league,“Villarmia said.“It was a chance for a lot of them to improve their skills, and the competition was good. She works hard all the time. I don’t have to worry about her staying in shape in the off-season. She’ll do it on her own.”
The back court is further bolstered by the return of senior Dara Aiwohi-Dutro, whom Villarmia calls “probably our best shooter.”
From there, the Waipahu roster is stocked with under-classmen, many of whom will be counted on to play right away.
Freshman Patricia Malala highlights the relative unknowns in the program. “She’s quick and athletic,” Villarmia said.“She’ll start for us.”
Fellow freshman Tammy Vilianu also figures in the plans. “She has size and some athleticism. Our first group has some experience. After that, we’re inexperienced, but we still have a month (before the regular season opens).”
The Marauders, who were to open at Aiea late last week, continue their preseason at 7 p.m. Wednesday when they travel to Waianae. Another road game follows Dec. 7 at Hanalani before they finish up with a home game versus Hawaii Baptist Academy Dec. 12. Waipahu opens its OIA White Conference slate Dec. 15 at home against Waialua.
Villarmia labeled Leilehua as the team to beat in the White.“They’re always pretty good, and they have height on their side this year,” she said. “Nanakuli, too. They beat us twice last year.”
First up, Villarmia was focusing in on Wednesday’s contest with Waianae and guard standout guard Kirstie Rosa. “She can shoot it, she can drive - she’s real tough. Hopefully, our guard play will be good.”
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