There are tougher tests ahead, Kamehameha boys soccer coach Kevin Waltjen said, but for know he’s happy the revamped Warriors are “learning a little bit more each and every game.”
In one sense, they’re also learning how to take it to their BIIF Division II competition.
Jonathan DeMotta and Buddy Betts each scored two goals Saturday thanks to the assistance of Logan Waltjen, and Kamehameha beat Konawaena 6-1 at Paiea Stadium in Keaau.
Going into the season, the defending state and BIIF D-II champion Warriors figured to have to worry about three prime foes trying to dethrone them:
• Honokaa, which Kamehameha beat 5-0 on Thursday;
• Konawaena, which fell to 0-2 in their first season back in D-II; and
• Makua Lani, which is the Warriors’ next opponent, Wednesday in Kailua-Kona
“Makua Lani is going to be tough, then we’ll start the to see the D-I teams,” Kevin Waltjen.
All of the scoring in Saturday’s match occurred in the first half, and Kamehameha scored all of it goals in the first 27 minutes.
DeMotta’s second goal was his fifth of the season – all of have been assisted by Logan Waltjen – and Ethan Shimabukuro and Chris Knell also scored.
“I got to see the boys move the ball fairly well,” Kevin Waltjen said. “They are switching sides to change the point of attack.
Logan Waltjen has been the maestro. With four more assists, he has seven on the season.
“He’s finding guys in the right spot where they can finish,” Kevin Waltjen said. “It’s a complement to both sides.”
Honokaa 7, Ka’u 0: Daneau Domingo netted a hat trick as the Dragons won at home.
Shevon Monell-Lagaret, Koa Miche and Sherwin Acob also scored for Honokaa, which also got an own goal.
Girls
Konawaena 3, Waiakea 1: The Wildcats (1-1) won at home for a result that could hold big BIIF D-I playoff seeding ramifications as the season unfolds.
Maiya-Ann Serrao scored for the Warriors (1-1) off an assist from Kalena Kekaualua. Goal-scorers were not avaialable for Konawaena.
Honokaa 8, Ka’u 0: Tasha Otha and Ryah Cordoban bagged two goals as the Dragons won at home.
Aaliyah Kawaihae, Andrea Manaplit, Sydni Abarcar and Precious added goals for Honokaa (1-1).
HPA hoops 3-0
Hawaii Prep’s girls basketball team will head into the BIIF regular season with momentum on its side.
Kyana Brucelas scored 19 points Saturday in Waimea as HPA beat Punahou “B” 46-23 to finish 3-0 at Ka Makani Tip-Off Classic.
HPA, which visits Hilo on Monday in its BIIF opener, beat Kohala on Friday 39-24 on Friday behind Maja Burdova’s 16 points and on Thursday Ka Makani edged Oahu’s University 32-30, with Brucelas leading the way with 12 points and Burdova added 11.
The Cowgirls finished 0-3, including a 41-22 loss to University on Saturday in which Jasmine Hook scored eight points. Hook also scored eight in the loss to HPA, and Laila Carvalho scored 10 Thursday in a 36-25 loss to Punahou, which was not the Buffanblu’s first-team varsity squad.
