Waialua coach Randall Erice says his team is young, but hopes the experience of playing this season in the Oahu Interscholastic Association White West Division will lead to better performances by his team in the future.  “Our team is young, but one year wiser,” said Erice who team finished with a 2-8 league record. “The kids have been working hard. We have the chemistry to do well. We have no superstars so the kids really bond together for one goal. To win as a team.”

Erice hopes the return of Vance Maluyo, Chase Uhlir, Rudi Galapia, William Sacapulo Uepa and Jesse Hurst Kauwalu will help Waialua evolve into a contender for the 2010-2011 season.  “We are not big so we must rely on speed, quickness and brains,” added Erice. With five assistant coaches, Erice believes this coaching will eventually pay off with more wins for the Bulldogs.  “Our team offense relies on making shots inside. We focus our offense on making layups and scoring on transition baskets,” Erice said.

Leading the charge is Maluyo. Erice says Maluyo has great speed and quickness. He is generally considered the go-to-guy when Waialua needs to score. He is considered an excellent leaper capable of scoring inside and hitting the outside jumper. Maluyo is currently a 6-1 junior.

Uhlir has great potential and is capable of putting up major points in the paint. Erice says he is a terrific rebounder and seems to always be around the ball. The sophomore has good defensive instincts and is considered an up-and-coming star in the OIA.

The leader on the team is Galapia. He is a 6-2 center who is one of the stronger rebounders in the league. The junior is a very good scorer inside the lane and is a proven aggressive defender.

Uepa has excellent offensive moves inside and has positive instincts in passing the ball to open shooters. The sophomore played major minutes this season and Erice expects Uepa to vastly improve as he gets older.

Erice says Kauwalu is still young and raw, but shoots the ball well. Kauwalu, a sophomore, plays good basic defense and is expected to play a major role in Waialua’s offense next season.

As his players mature Erice is working patiently at molding his team into regularly winning in the league. “In the White Division, every team has a chance. We just have to keep on working hard toward reaching the level we wish to be at,” Erice said.