Castle-Kailua Hoops Contest Set
By Jack Danilewicz
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When Castle hosts Kailua at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in an important OIA White Conference matchup, followers of both girls basketball programs can expect there to be little margin for error.
Indeed,familiarity with each other should go a long way toward that end, Castle coach Jeff McKeown said.
“They know everything about us, and we know everything about them,” said McKeown, whose Knights split both games with the Surfriders.“There will be a few wrinkles, but those will be adjusted pretty quickly. It’s about execution really.”
The Knights opened their regular season with wins over Anuenue and Kaiser and are already in the midst of a critical stretch in their schedule although it is only the first round of their OIA slate. On Friday, Castle was to play defending OIA DII champion McKinley, giving the team only three practice days to get ready for Kailua. Just recently the Knights have filled their roster, as injuries and illness had forced them to play nearly the entire preseason with six to eight players.
“We really haven’t jelled yet,” he admitted.“We’ve played OK, but we still have a long way to go.”
In Kailua, which opened its regular season with a win over Kaiser and a loss to McKinley, the Knights will face one of the better back courts in Division II with key returnees Kristen Corrales, Ashley Jacobs and Zsalei Kamaka. Corrales is entering her fourth year as a starter for the Surfriders, while Jacobs and Kamaka are juniors who were key components of last year’s late-season run by Kailua.
“Corrales has been a thorn in our side every time we’ve played them,” McKeown admitted. “Jacobs has been shooting the ball really well. We have to have a plan to stop her, but you can’t leave Corrales alone, either. Kamaka is very steady.
“We’re definitely concerned about their guards. The good thing is that we’re confident in our perimeter defense. Hopefully, our defensive strength, which is in the back court,can match up with their offensive strength.”
The Knights’ hopes for a solid defensive effort begin with senior guard Niki Kobashigawa. “The thing she’s always given us is defense - she’s been one of our best defensive players since her sophomore year.This year,she’s been scoring consistently at about 12 to 13 points per game, so she’s picked it up. It’s nice to be able to count on her.
“She and Kori (Berinobis) have really stood out so far,” he added, calling Berinobis one of Castle’s top offensive threats.
McKeown also will likely go with Nicole Aberilla, Leisha Liilii and Brandi Sasaki in the starting lineup for the Kailua game. With two teams heavy with play-makers on the perimeter, the battle in the post could make the difference.
“Our forwards will have to get better as the season goes on. Most are new to the position or were on JV last year, so one of the keys to the season is getting them up to speed so we can be playing our best basketball at the end of the season.”
Although the teams will meet a second time Jan. 29 at Kailua, Wednesday’s game could still have a big impact on the league race.
“It’s a key game for both teams. It’s a key game for positioning (with regards to the OIA playoffs).”
On the heels of Wednesday’s game, Castle will host Waipahu Friday, while Kailua hosts McKinley in the second meeting between the teams.
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