During a Tuesday evening practice at Waiakea High’s gym, assistant coach Cheyenne Meyer runs the Warriors’ girls basketball practice while first-year coach Alika Smith presides as more of a CEO.
Smith, who is taking over after Brandon Kauhi was dismissed after guiding the program to its first BIIF title in 11 seasons, watches from the sidelines and offers occasional guidance, then he sits by the near end of the gym to get another perspective.
“I’ll be the one sweating during the games,” Smith joked.
He hasn’t had to raise his voice yet, but when Waiakea opens its preseason Thursday night at its tournament against Hilo High, one situation is sure to draw his ire.
“I hate giving up easy baskets,” Smith said.
The former University of Hawaii player and assistant inherits a wealth of talent and athleticism – senior point guard Kelsei Imai officially will join the UH ohana during a ceremony Friday at the school gym when she signs with the Wahine – but Smith has a system in place, and there is proof that it works in the three HHSAA boys basketball tiles he won at Kalaheo, one in Division II and two in D-I.
“We run but we want to have a foundation of scoring defense first. You want to run, you have to get stops,” said Smith said, who doesn’t figure to utilize much in the way of a full-court press. “If you can play good half-court defense for four quarters and they can score on you, then by all means they deserve to win.
“If you play defense, we’ll find a spot on the floor for you.”
The philosophies and teaching strategies have changed, but none of what Smith preaches should bring culture shock to the Warriors. They are used to working hard and focusing on defense.
“It’s fun,” said 5-foot-6 junior Destynee Williams. “We’re getting to learn news things, new positions, new plays and he makes us open up our mind to new things.”
Imai, a 5-6 senior and the BIIF Division I player of the year, will resume her role as floor general, while 5-7 junior Jazelle Dorser again will bring strength to the post and she also made all-BIIF last season.
“Kelsei is athletic, she hustles, she has it all,” Smith said. “Working on her shot, but just her IQ and how she runs the team is impressive.”
The honorable mention all-BIIF returnees are: Tayvia Cabatbat, a 5-5 senior who was the best player on the court at times during the 2019 BIIF tournament; 5-8 senior Keeli-Jade Smith, a fourth-year contributor who will spend time in the post; 5-6 senior Bethany Honma; and Williams.
Smith likes Honma because she’s a left-hander, like himself, so Waiakea can put her on the right post and give her a chance to turn to her left and finish.
Basically, there’s enough talent on hand and competition in practice that no player can rest on her laurels, a situation any coach would love.
“If you’re not bringing it, there is going to be someone who is,” Smith said.
Williams mentioned two more key pieces: 5-4 senior Kayla Iwata, “a lockdown defender” and sophomore Ayana Meyer, perhaps the team’s best pure shooter.
“I think we just have to stay positive and have the same mindset as last year,” Williams said. “All the returners have to push the girls to get better.
“We have a lot of potential.”
That might be an understatement, but the Warriors primary Division I competition has reason to feel good about its prospects as well, After finally dethroning Konawaena’s dynasty last season, Waiakea was routed in its opener at the HHSAA tournament, while the Wildcats won two games to reach the state semifinals.
The Warriors’ annual preseason tournament features three varsity games – Keaau has a tournament this weekend that appears to be drawing teams away – with the headliner being Thursday night’s matchup between Hilo and Waiakea. It should be noted the the Vikings beat their rival twice last season.
Next week, Waiakea will play at Hilo’s tournament, and in December the Warriors will head to Las Vegas to participate at the Tarkanian Classic, where Smith hopes hit new players will cherish the rise in competition.
“You can’t take what you had last year and bring it back,” Smith said. “Konawaena is going to want (the title) back, and Hilo is a really strong, so we have to fight through obstacles to get what we want to achieve.”
Waiakea High girls tournament
Thursday
Keaau JV vs. Waiakea JV, 5 p.m.
Waimea vs. Honokaa, 6:30 p.m.
Hilo vs. Waiakea, 8 p.m.
Friday
Pahoa JV vs Waiakea JV, 6 pm.
Waimea JV vs Hilo JV, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Boys: Hilo JV vs. Waiakea JV, 4:30 p.m.
Hilo JV vs. Waiakea JV, 6 p.m.
Waimea vs. Waiakea, 7:30 p.m.
Keaau girls tournament
Friday
Keaau JV vs. Ka’u JV, 3:30 p.m.
Ka’u vs. Christian Liberty, 6 p.m.
Honokaa vs. Keaau, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Honokaa vs. Christian Liberty, 10 a.m.
Ka’u vs. Pahoa, 11:15 a.m.
Ka’u JV vs. Keaau JV, 12:30 p.m.
Game 1: Pahoa vs Honokaa, 1:45 p.m.
Game 2: Ka’u vs. Christian Liberty, 3 p.m.
Keaau vs. Game 1 winner, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 6:45 p.m.