By KEVIN JAKAHI
By KEVIN JAKAHI
Tribune-Herald sports writer
KEAAU — Kamehameha senior right-hander Pono Correa produced an efficient two-hitter, an 89-pitch complete-game gem and another nice moment in front of his surrounding family.
The Warriors — especially Gideon Kalili and Chay Toson — brought their smooth-swinging bats, and Correa did the rest in a 7-0 victory over Keaau in a Big Island Interscholastic Federation baseball game on Saturday.
Kalili batted 3 for 3 with an RBI, and Toson went 3 for 4 with an RBI to lead the Division II Warriors (5-3), who have at least seven games left, including a likely BIIF semifinal for a state berth.
Adrian Huff went six innings and took the loss. Mareko Remlinger pitched a scoreless inning for the Division I Cougars (3-6).
It’s a countdown of sorts for Correa. It’s the last season he’s playing in front of his dad and Kamehameha coach Andy Correa, and grandpa Jimmy Correa and cousin Jon Arbles, who are both assistants.
Correa walked three, struck out seven and benefited from a pair of double plays, getting a nod of approval from his lifelong coach.
“Kupono threw a good game. He had command of all his pitches and the defense played really well,” Andy Correa said. “Toward the end of the year, you need your starters to go deep into games, and give you quality innings. That’s their job — to keep the game close. The offense’s job is to score enough runs.”
Whether Pono is on the mound or at second base, there’s no shortage of advice, especially on the drive home.
“My dad tells me there’s always something to work on,” he said. “I feel like that’s a good thing. My grandpa’s advice to me is throw strikes and Jon tells me to stay confident in myself and keep a positive attitude.
“My dad says a lot of things, like have fun, play hard and try your best, and don’t think about making mistakes because that’s when you’ll make a mistake.”
Kamehameha last qualified for the Division II state tournament in 2010, finishing runner-up. It’s been the only state appearance for Correa and four fellow senior starters: pitcher Kaimana Moike, catcher Keanu Dudoit-Isa, first baseman Kalili and outfielder Nainoa Hart.
Konawaena and Hawaii Prep have made state trips together the last four years. The league has two berths this season, and four strong contenders with Honokaa also in the mix, which should add bubbling anticipation for the BIIF semifinals.
“I’m trying to work hard and have fun, and play every game hard, so I have no regrets at the end,” said Pono, who is thinking about walking on at Concordia, an NAIA school in Oregon, where 2011 Kamehameha graduate Adam Andrade is on the roster.
He is aware that the Kamehameha moments of father and son on the baseball diamond are coming to a close. And he follows his cousin Jon’s advice when his mind turns to those thoughts.
“I try to make the best of it and do everything right to make my dad proud,” Pono said.
Then the father’s mood also turned sentimental.
“I’ve had an enjoyable ride. It’s been good,” Andy Correa said. “I’ve enjoyed it. I was lucky being able to work with him.”
Asked what makes him happy watching his son play ball, Pono’s father switched his mindset to that of a coach.
“When he executes and does what he learns in practice and hustles, basically, playing hard. When you do that, good things happen,” said Andy Correa, summing up the philosophy that drives his son.
Kamehameha 040 010 2 — 7 10 2
Keaau 000 000 0 — 0 2 2