Kamehameha still has enough quality pitching to compensate for any holes in the lineup, which typically rounds into shape by season’s end.
The Warriors are coming off their seventh straight BIIF Division II championship with a lot of shoes to fill in the batting order.
The offense has open spots at catcher, second base and the three outfield positions. For most teams, that’s a recipe for rebuilding.
For the Warriors, it’s another opportunity for someone to step up and hang another star on the player development program.
“We’re OK. We’ve struggled a little in the preseason hitting the ball,” coach Andy Correa said. “But we’re working on that. We’ve only played six preseason games, four on Maui and two at Hilo High.”
Kamehameha lost to Maui, tied Saint Francis and beat Baldwin and King Kekaulike.
It’s usually a huge boost of confidence to knock off the defending Division I state champion. Last year, the Bears defeated Waiakea 14-4 for the title.
The pitching will be formidable with the return of senior left-hander Tai Atkins and junior right-handers Zakaia Michaels and Kalani Marquez, who’s rehabbing his arm.
Marquez’ return will only deepen a staff that also includes junior Rydge Ishii, senior Breaden Coloma and sophomore Brock Malani.
Last season, Atkins (6-0, .050 ERA) and Michaels (4-0, 0.98 ERA), had dominant seasons and carried the team during the best-of-three series in the BIIF semifinal and championship series.
“Tai looks good. He’s pitching more than throwing, and that helps,” Correa said. “Zakaia is coming along well. He’s reliable and solid. He’s a No. 1, and that’s always a good option to have.
“Rydge has done well. He’s been relieving in the preseason. He just needs more appearances.”
Senior catcher Bryce Furuli has experience and a solid working relationship with the staff, so that’s one big hole filled.
“In his sophomore year, he pretty much caught the whole season,” Correa said. “He’s got a lot of ability behind the plate.”
The infield corners have two senior leaders in first baseman Bula Ahuna and third baseman La’a Asuncion, who provided more than tough bats.
“Bula’s a team leader. He keeps everybody working hard and doing the right things,” Correa said. “La’a is really even-keeled. He’s doesn’t get too high or too low. Like Bula, he provides good leadership. He gets to some balls, hits the ball hard, and we’re expecting big things from him this year.”
Kalia Agustin returns at shortstop while Ishii, Michaels, and Malani are battling for the job at second base.
Bryce Nakata has waited his turn to start in left field. The senior saw sparse playing time last season. He’s got an opportunity to grab a full-time position.
“He’s developed nicely after three years of waiting for a place to play,” Correa said.
Coloma will take over in right field while Atkins and Ishii will share time in center field.
“We haven’t settled on a lineup yet,” Correa said. “It’s pretty balanced. It’s a matter of who makes improvements and trying to get the right combination of guys in the order.”
The pieces are there for Kamehameha, which can expect challenges from the usual Division II contenders, BIIF runner-up Konawaena, Hawaii Prep, and Honokaa.
“If we work hard and we improve throughout the year, we’ll have a chance in our division,” Correa said. “I kind of know who comes back. Honokaa looks like a pretty solid team. HPA should be pretty good. Konawaena is going to be kind of strong.
“Hopefully, we can get off to a good start and keep getting better. As always, we’re hoping to be playing our best at the end.”