It was fitting that an exciting tournament ended with an overtime finish in the final game.
The Hawaii Isle Police Activities League Winter Classic wrapped up Saturday with the 13-14 age group championship game, won by the Stingrays with a breakaway layup in the minute-to-win-it overtime period. The Stingrays, coached by Gerald Gray Jr. and Gerald Gray Sr. defeated N-One 45-53 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
In the game prior, Wahine Ryders defeated Na Aikane 14-12 in the Girls 13-14 division championship. Na Aikane led 5-3 after the 12-minute long first half as both teams struggled all game to find open looks. The Ryders got to the free throw line and sank pivotal shots near the end of the game to win it.
According to Officers Joseph Bothelho and Randy Morris, East Hawai`i and West Hawai`i coordinators, respectively, of HI-PAL, 56 teams competed in all age divisions. Four of the teams were from the neighbor islands.
Morris noted the quality sportsmanship displayed from coaches, parents, and fans during the four-day tournament. “We’re always trying to get our parents to understand sportsmanship more, and lose and be humble, and when you win, you try to teach them to be humble, too. Our fans are pretty good.”
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The next HI-PAL tournament will be the 23rd annual “HI-PAL Hope Chapel 3-on-3 Basketball Jam,” held January 19-21 in Kona. Entries will be accepted through January 11. Interested players can call Morris at 326-4646, extension 258.
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