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Monday
Evening QB
THE state boys' basketball championship was already decided. Kalaheo owned an 11-point lead over Iolani with a few seconds left. Loss in final no Low
point for freshmanSo Mustangs' coach Pete Smith emptied his bench, deploying five fresh-faced youngsters not old enough to drive.
For the first time Saturday night at the Stan Sheriff Center, 14-year-old Derrick Low was up against kids his age.
The Raider freshman speed-dribbled to the top of the key and let loose a perfect bomb at the buzzer. The swish was good for only three points, and Kalaheo won, 68-60.
But the message was clear. If anyone needed reminding, in his own way, the most precocious athlete in the state was saying, "I'll be back. Again, again, and again. And me and my boys might win a couple of these."
Low would never say that verbally. He's a polite, humble kid. He's the happy-go-lucky neighbor who cuts your grass or delivers your paper.
This boy who ran hoop with grown men in the parks from the time he was in elementary school remains unspoiled by all the attention over the course of his first high school season.
After the game, Low seemed genuinely glad to have participated. Of course he wanted to win, but there were no tears, no regrets.
"They're a great team and they outplayed us tonight," he said with a slight smile.
Low finished with 15 points, even though he made only 3-of-12 shots from the floor.
Despite the off shooting night, those who hadn't seen him before discovered Low is legit.
I've watched high school basketball for about 25 years. Low is by far the best freshman I've ever seen, including any from the mainland teams in the Iolani Classics over the years.
Don't listen to me. Take it from a true high school basketball expert, Bill O'Rear.
The knowledge and insights of the former Hilo Vulcan standout guard and current Hawaii Tribune-Herald sports editor are almost always on the money.
Here's what O'Rear has to say about Low, who displaces Hilo Vikings' legend Bruce Ferreira as the best freshman he's ever seen.
"He's head-and-shoulders above Bruce, and not only in height.
"He has deceptive quickness, and he's really an underrated passer. Some young guys over-dribble. He doesn't."
THE questions about Low are how much he will improve over the course of the next three years. Will he get much taller than his current 6-feet? Will he become more of a shooter? Will his good attitude change?
I feel guilty about devoting this much space to a freshman from the losing team, but Low was far and away the most intriguing player in the state this year.
The best was D.C. Daniels, Kalaheo's relentless scorer and rebounder. He was unstoppable all season, and especially in the tournament. His 30 points and 14 rebounds make him a lock for a second consecutive first-team all-state honor. He's just a junior, and he will be back next year to help Kalaheo defend its third state championship.
The most valuable player may be the Mustangs' senior point guard Skyler Wilson. The nephew of Kalaheo coach Pete Smith moved from California to win a championship, and that's exactly what he did. He's a warrior-type player, with toughness and savvy to match his considerable quickness.
Wilson wore a bandage over his right eye Saturday, a badge from earlier battle.
Low wore socks with "NBA" stenciled on them.
"Cute," O'Rear said. "Something you wear when you're 14. Bet he doesn't next year."
Dave Reardon, who covered sports in Hawaii from 1977 to 1998,
moved to the the Gainesville Sun, then returned to
the Star-Bulletin in Jan. 2000.
E-mail Dave: dreardon@starbulletin.com