LAHAINALUNA GIRLS BASKETBALL: HONORING ANA AND PAIGE ON SENIOR NIGHT – January 19, 2012

Awesome poster boards created by Glenn Casil.

Tonight was the final regular season home game for the Lady Lunas which meant one thing – Senior Night. The game itself was an afterthought – tonight, the focus was on celebrating the two seniors Ana Lauese and Paige Casil.

Senior Paige Casil with Head Coach Todd Rickard.

Paige Casil – If I had to use one word to describe her, it would be STEADY.  Not spectacular by any means, but a steady floor leader and dependable outside shooter.  Automatic on lay-ups.  A key component of their full court press defense. Together with Jade Chihara, they made it almost impossible to inbound the ball after made shots. This year, she really stepped it up as the leader of the team alongside senior Ana Lauese. Filling in the considerable shoes left by Maiki Viela, she stepped in and led the team her way.

What I’ll miss most about Paige is her Dad! First of all, her Dad has the best name ever – Glenn. Second, Paige’s Dad (and Mom) were there at all the games, but Dad faithfully videotaped all the games! While I was there on the baseline, sitting on the floor trying to get the best angle for action photos, Mr. Casil was there videotaping the action and adding his own play-by-play commentary on top of that! He was always complimentary towards me and expressed his appreciation for the photos I take. For that, I am grateful.

BEAST MODE - Ana Lauese – undoubtedly one of the, if not THE, toughest players ever to put on a Lady Luna uniform. Relatively short in stature for a post player, her heart and work ethic can never be questioned. She is like Charles Barkley – undefineable. She can play any position on the court – center, power forward, small forward, shooting guard and point guard. She even wipes the floor up when there’s a spill. She can bring the ball up the court. She can handle pressure defenses. She grabs rebounds when you need it.  She doesn’t make silly turnovers. The coaches rarely have to sit her down for poor play or bad decisions. She will outwork, outquick and outmuscle bigger players for the rebound. She will overpower smaller players in the post and dare them to get in her on her power drives to the basket from the wing.  She handles the ball well for a big, rarely turns the ball over and rarely makes bad decisions. I’ve never seen anyone steal the ball away from her. She’ll deftly hand out passes to cutters down the lane for easy lay-ups. She will take a step back and effortlessly drain a three-pointer - textbook perfect follow through, rotation and SWISH – if you don’t pay attention.  And don’t even think about trying to outmuscle her for a jump ball or dive for a loose ball with Ana anywhere near. She will rip your arm out of your shoulder socket (just ask Kamehameha Maui player Ashley Tanoue-Singson) or dive for the ball – even if the Lunas are up by 30.

What I admire about her is that she’s all business. She does not talk smack or boast about herself.  She doesn’t walk around “acting” like a baller, “talking” like a baller, or dressing up with the latest “baller” fashion or shoes.  She lets her play do all the talking. She doesn’t tag herself or have too many basketball photos of herself on Facebook. Old school in the truest sense of the word. And I appreciate that.

What impresses me the most is Ana’s toughness.  She plays hurt. You literally had to carry her off the court, in a strait jacket against her will, to prevent her from playing. Case in point - she had already injured her knee in the preseason and was wearing a brace for most of the year. When I saw her go down this year late in a game against Kamehameha Schools Maui at the Civic Center, I thought for sure her career was over. Her mom came to the bench to console her. She sat there on the bench, by herself, her injured leg propped up on a chair. Then I learned – never doubt Ana Lauese. The very next game, she was back on the floor, her leg wrapped up like a mummy, but back on the floor.

Thank you Paige Casil and Ana Lauese for  your hard work, dedication and sacrifices for Lahainaluna sports. Best of luck to both of you in the future.

The twins Lindsay and Taylor Bates give balloons to Ana and Paige.

Misha Whitehead, Paige Casil and c/2011 Erika Erickson

Paige Casil with fellow senior and golf phenom Michiko Smith

Paige Casil with the fab freshmen Cyrus Kama and Marvin Sidon

The Lauese family

For more photos, click here.

For my video montage, click here.