Ishibashi's Legacy Lives On In Upset Victory

Wade Ishibashi Sr, may have gone on to coach on the Lord’s team, but some of his players whom he had the privilege to coach made Keaau and Big Island fans proud of their upset victory over ILH perennial power Iolani. For substitute Keaau coach Ikaika Harris (Keaau 07) it was a most triumphant victory. With both teams playing aggressive man defense throughout the night, it was the driving style of Keaau that would persevere. Both teams strategy seem to mirror each other, keeping it simple by having the offense flow with drives and dishes.

Wade Ishibashi’s coaching philosophy when he was at the helm at Keaau High School was an aggressive attacking offense predicated on the dribble drive. Going strong was his motto. Last night, Haku Ishibashi, Makana Cazimero, Richie Handy and Sekona Holani executed that type of philosophy to victory. In the first half, Keaau kept pace with the talented team from Oahu. Iolani, which had many players coming from their HHSAA Division II Football Championship kept things simple, with a dribble penetrating type of offense and man defense. The game plan for the Red Raiders was basically the same game plan used by former Iolani coach “Doc” Mark Muguiishi over the years while in preseason.

Kainoa Chu was the primary weapon the Raiders relied on, as he was quick to the basket in the first half. However, the Raiders did not expect Keaau to give them a dose of the same medicine. Keaau caught momentum on some mid fourth quarter spurts by squirting past the Iolani full court press and finding Sekona or Handy under the basket for easy bankers. For new Iolani head coach Dean Shimamoto, it was an unexpected first defeat of his young coaching career. With former coach Doc Muguiishi sitting on the bench as a consultant rather than an assistant looking on.

For the Cougar program, it was a momentous victory. In 2004, when Wade was an assistant coach at Keaau, the Cougars took a thumping from Iolani in the HHSAA tournament. That year Iolani was led by Low and Nash. Recently Wade Ishibashi’s life was remembered on the anniversary of Wade Ishibashi day proclaimed by Mayor Billy Kenoi and the County of Hawaii on December 5th, 2008. A 3 on 3 tournament raising awareness of bone marrow registry and continuing the spirit of Ishibashi will be played this Saturday (December 12, 2009) and emotions will run deep again. The Keaau Cougars for the moment have for one day and for one game given Wade, his family and fans a big smile and delight.