The KS Maui Warriors boys basketball team lost to the Baldwin Bears, 45-34 at Ka’ulaheanuiokamoku Gym, Feb. 4, 2012. This was also the Warriors’ senior night.
The Warriors were the underdogs going in, with a win-loss record of 2-9 in the face of the undeafeated Baldwin Bears (11-0), but the Warriors were able to gain a good lead within the first quarter with points from Kahiau Andrade, Kolby Ah Sau (who hit a 3-pointer), Luke Batoon, and Kamaka Keawekane. The Warriors looked fired up for their last regular season game on their home turf, and an upset seemed to be in the making.
The first quarter ended 5-12, the Warriors leading.
“I think we played really good defense,” Coach Chad Kalehuawehe said. “Baldwin is a well disciplined team, so they didn’t rush into things.”
The Warriors continued to do well going into the second quarter, playing heavy defense that kept the Bears to only one score, the rest of their points coming from their free throws. Both teams did not score much, and the second quarter’s score was 10-18, with the Warriors continuing to lead the Bears.
After halftime, however, the Bears came back hard.
“I think that we were mentally and physically tired going into the second half,” Coach Kalehuawehe said.
Both teams scored solely on free throws for the first half of the third quarter. The Bears then scored twice in rapid secession, which was answered by a 3-point shot from the Warriors’ Andrade. The scoring then switched back to mostly free throws, with Daylan Machado also scoring during the third quarter.
The third quarter ended 27-26, the Warriors having lost their lead and now trailing by one point.
“In the beginning we brought the energy in the first half, but in the second half, they brought the energy and we freaked out,” junior Luke Batoon said.
The fourth quarter started off with Batoon making a free throw. The Bears followed up by scoring and successfully making two free throws.
“We lost focus,” Junior Kolby Ah Sau said, “got caught up in the hype.”
Both teams relied mostly on making free throws for points during the final quarter, with Baldwin also scoring here and there.
With a minute left in the quarter, Kahiau Andrade fouled out, followed by Kolby Ah Sau.
The game ended 45-34, the Bears victorious after a promising start for the Warriors.
After the game, the senior night recognition ceremony began with an introduction of the two senior Warriors on the team.
Three-year player Daylan Machado said, “It feels sad, but yet, happy.”
Coach Kalehuawehe’s words to his seniors were, “Thank you for all the hard work and individual contributions.”
The Warriors still have one more chance to best the Bears. They will be participating in the MIL basketball tournament next week Wednesday through Friday at the King Kekaulike Gym. The times and specific dates are still to be announced.
