Michael Lasquero | ScoringLive
January 4, 2019, 11:07am
Williams sparked Surfriders in OIA opener
Kailua's Kaniala Williams gets a steal and heads to the basket in the second quarter. Michael Lasquero | SLKailua's Kaniala Williams wasn't feeling too good to end 2018.
However, the start of 2019 has treated Williams much better.
The senior guard provided a spark off the bench in Kailua's season-opening 58-52 win over host Kahuku Wednesday night as he was the Surfriders' second-leading scorer with 11 points.
But it was his defense were Williams made the most impact. The 6-foot-1 senior garnered a game-high six steals in a contest where Kailua racked up 13 total steals.
Kailua trailed by as many as seven points in the second quarter — 23 to 16 — but the play of Williams helped the Surfriders take a 28-25 lead at the break.
Williams read the passing lane well in the back court to pick up a steal that led to a three-point play to bring Kailua within one, 25-24. He also found Lydell Romero wide-open under the basket on a baseline inbounds play for the final basket of the first half.
"Kaniala, he's a motivator," said Kailua coach Wally Marciel. "He was not feeling well last week so we kept him out for a little while just to get him back, but he's our guy off the bench by far. He brings that spark, that speed."
