Kailua's Kaniala Williams gets a steal and heads to the basket in the second quarter. Michael Lasquero | SL

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Kailua's Kaniala Williams gets back on defense. Michael Lasquero | SL

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Kailua's Kaniala Williams works the ball around Kahuku's Shon Reid in the fourth quarter. Michael Lasquero | SL

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Kailua's Kaniala Williams gets a steal and heads to the basket in the second quarter. Michael Lasquero | SL

View image 1 of 3

Kailua's Kaniala Williams gets back on defense. Michael Lasquero | SL

View image 2 of 3

Kailua's Kaniala Williams works the ball around Kahuku's Shon Reid in the fourth quarter. Michael Lasquero | SL

View image 3 of 3

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Kailua'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."

Kailua's Kaniala Williams works the ball around Kahuku's Shon Reid in the fourth quarter. Michael Lasquero | SL