By Dick Dornan
myBurbank Sports Editor
What a better way to begin your vacation than to play some holiday basketball in the gorgeous state of Hawaii!
The Burroughs girls’ basketball team traveled to the big Island of Hawaii prior to Christmas to participate in the World Youth Basketball Tournament at Kealakehe High. The Indians took first place accumulating a record of 4-1 during the four day tourney.
“This was a very memorable trip and amazing experience for our girls, coaching staff, administration and parents. This was more than just the regular summer trips we take as a team for bonding and playing experience,” Burroughs coach Vicky Oganyan said. “This was a trip that was a reward for the great group of girls we have on the team and how hard they have worked over the years and their continuous dedication to each other, our program, and our school.”
In addition to the basketball games, the Indians took some time to enjoy the Hawaiian experience and local culture. Here are the spectacles that the team and staff visited and enjoyed:
Kahaluu Beach Park – snorkeled (saw fish, sea turtles); Dolphin Quest – swam with the dolphins; went to the famous Kona Kozy Comdey and Magic Show; Kayaking and paddle boarding in the Hilton Waikoloa Hotel Lagoon (swam with sea turtles and fish); visited Hapuna Beach.
Toured the entire Island visiting the:
Parker Ranch Lands —Hamakua Coast —Rainbow Falls —Jagger Museum —Hawaii Volcano Observatory —Steam Bluffs & Crater Rim Drive —Fern Tree Jungle —Thurston Lava Tube —Kilauea Iki Crater —Volcanoes National Park —Punaluu Black Sand Beach —Kealakekua Bay Overlook —Kailua-Kona Coffee Plantations
On the final evening, the Indians went bowling for the tournament awards night. All the girls got trophies the shape of surf boards.
“I get emotional just thinking about how thankful I am that we were able to provide such a great experience for the girls that they will remember for the rest of their lives,” said Oganyan. “There is nothing better than being able to spend six days with your teammates playing basketball and spending quality time in a place like Hawaii. We are very thankful for all the people that supported us in making this happen and continue to support us every day.”
Scores and Photo Gallery from Hawaii:
Konawaeena 69 Burroughs 49
Davina Del Castillo had 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 steals. Abbey Ibarra had 11 points and Brooke Radcliff had 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
Burroughs 50 Honokaa 37
Davina Del Castillo had 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Abbey Ibarra had 13 points and Sienna Brown had 7 points 10 rebounds.
Burroughs 66 Keeau 24
Davina Del Castillo had 12 points and 4 steals, Abbey Ibarra had 12 points, and Kamryn Cardenaz had 9 points and 7 rebounds. Brooke Radcliff had 8 points and 4 rebounds.
Burroughs 59 Fielding New Zealand 13
Davina Del Castillo had 17 points, 7 steals, and 3 assists. Brooke Radcliff had 16 points and 4 assists. Jordan Meltzer had 7 points and Kamryn Cardenaz had 7 points.
Burroughs 52 Kealakehe 5
Davina Del Castillo had 11 points and 11 rebounds, 3 assists. Chloe Takeuchi had 8 points and 4 rebounds, 3 assists. Brooke Radcliff had 6 points and Abbey Ibarra had 5 points.
