The Ka’u boys basketball program isn’t exactly synonymous with success of late, but don’t tell that to the current group of Trojans, many of whom have tasted winning in other sports.
Joven Padrigo went to the HHSAA volleyball tournament during his freshman and sophomore seasons, while Janslae Badua, Richard Souza, Buddy Flores and John Kalahiki, among others, recently helped their school win a second BIIF eight-man football championship in three seasons.
Perhaps naturally, expectations remain high for this upperclassmen-laden group on the hardwood.
“They’re just a bunch of country boys who work hard,” coach Daryl Shibuya said.