Tigers lose game, star, possibly rest of season
By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer
McKinley High girls basketball coach Jesse Victorino has told his players since practice began two months ago, "Play every game as if it's your last."
Last night, during a 36-33 loss at Farrington, those words took on special meaning.
The Tigers (3-1) watched their top player, Traci Torralva, go down with a severe ankle injury early in the fourth quarter after she scored a game-high 13 points. Victorino said Torralva, who entered the game leading all O'ahu scorers at 21.3 points per game, tore the ligaments in her left ankle last summer and re-aggravated the injury last night.
"We'll see how it is," Victorino said, "but she could be lost for the season."
The same could be said for all other O'ahu Interscholastic Association athletes, if the teachers' strike, which begins today, becomes prolonged. The OIA has postponed all games through Saturday, and a lengthy strike could jeopardize the season.
"If the strike is a long one, then this is it," Victorino said. "I told the team before the game that Saturday's game was postponed, and I think it put a damper on us. I think it was hard for both teams tonight. But fortunately, the crowd kinda kept things exciting."
The game was exactly the type of co-curricular activity that educators try to promote. Neither team led by more than five points, and a healthy young crowd of about 400 screamed at the top of their lungs with every big play. There was enough action-packed drama, school spirit and personal pride on tap to film a TV commercial.
Farrington junior Charilyn Ligot scored on a putback to give the Governors (4-0) a 36-33 lead with 36 seconds left, and McKinley freshman Chantal Yadao's 3-point attempt was just long at the buzzer.
Ligot led Farrington with 11 points.
"Hopefully the strike won't last long, because we'd really like to get back onto the court," said Farrington coach Jenic Tumaneng, who teaches English and social studies at the school. "Especially with the momentum we have going now. I see the girls working hard every day in practice. The (strike's) timing is just bad for us right now. We're praying that it ends soon."
Yadao, who scored 11 points, agreed.
"We're kinda upset, kinda angry, because it's going to affect our season," she said. "But we can't do nothing now. We just gotta stick it out."
MCKINLEY (3-1)
7
14
6
6
33
FARRINGTON (4-0)
7
14
11
4
36
McKinley — Chantal Yadao 11, Kristy Fukamoto 3, Pagent Kaihapea 0, Megan Miasaka 0, Lisa Barroga 0, Chyloh Rodrigues 1, Briana Ioane 0, Traci Torralva 13, Ceslie Maafala 2, Amber Lee 3, Jennifer Kelley 0.
Farrington — Revlyn Cabaya 2, Jenny Hamson 0, Xania Cadoy 3, Charilyn Ligot 11, Holly Yamada 3, Ashley Soon 5, Liza Domingo 3, Pae Poasa 4, Shannon Maika 2, Tina Sanerizi 3, Lusi Uli 0.
3-point goals — McKinley 3 (Yadao 2, Fukamoto 1.) Farrington 1 (Soon.)
JV — Farrington 55, McKinley 29.
• • •
• KAIMUKI 40, KAILUA 33: Lynette La'a scored nine points to lead the visiting Bulldogs over the Surfriders in an OIA East game. Loke Lastimosa scored 12 for Kailua.
KAIMUKI (2-3)
6
10
14
10
40
KAILUA (0-5)
2
3
13
15
33
Kaimuki — Stephanie Omori 0, Amanda Leopoldo 8, Rachel Santiago 4, Dalia Solia 4, Tyleen Tausaga 2, Jessica Arakawa 2, Katherine Martin 2, Kehau Molina-Gamponia 5, Noelani Tamanaha 4, Lynette La'a 9
Kailua — Taryn Imai 0, Kanani Piimauna 0, Ivena Armand-Baoy 4, Jade Leong 0, Johnalynn Ilae 11, Jaushlyn Mansinon 2, Ana Fisilau 4, Loke Lastimosa 12, Ruth Pedro 0, Konnie DeCaires 0.
3-point goals — Kaimuki 2 (Molina-Gamponia 1, La'a 1)
JV — Kaimuki 38, Kailua 26.
• • •
KIF BASKETBALL
• Kaua'i 45, Waimea 28: The Red Raiders held the Menehune scoreless in the third quarter of a Kaua'i Interscholastic Federation game yesterday.
Belinda Butac scored 11 points, and Elisa Inouye had 10 points and nine rebounds for Kaua'i. Robyn Manuel had eight points and five rebounds for Waimea.
KAUA'I (2-0)
8
12
7
18
45
WAIMEA (1-1)
5
7
0
16
28
• • •
MIL BASKETBALL
• Baldwin 39, Seabury HALL 31: After trailing 14-11 at halftime, the Bears' spread offense in the second half broke open the game and gave the Lady Bears the win in Maui Interscholastic League play at Seabury Hall.
Nicole Garbin scored nine of her 13 points in the first quarter and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Bears.
The Lady Bears trailed 14-11 at halftime, but outscored the Spartans 12-2 in the third quarter to remain unbeaten at 8-0. Seabury Hall is 7-1.
BALDWIN (8-0)
9
2
12
16
39
SEABURY (7-1)
6
8
2
15
31
Baldwin — Cami Kapaku 3; Crystal Manuel 10, Nicole Garbin 13, Mahea Atay 10, Asabeau Wai-Ah 2, Mahea Tassil 1.
Seabury — Shantei McFarlin 10, Jodi Poouahi 7, Chelsea Kohl 5, Courtney Cole 6, Randi Kekuchi 3.
• • •
INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE OF HONOLULU
DIVISION II
'Iolani 52, Kamehameha 31.
