Natick’s Kinugawa a Study in Character & Courage

Sho Kinugawa’s final season of basketball at Natick High has been filled with plenty of positives.
The 5-foot-9 senior guard has been a two-time captain and he’s been a major contributor in helping Natick qualify for the playoffs for the second straight year. A native of Natick, he also guided the Redhawks to the championship of the Randolph Tournament where he was selected MVP.
Kinugawa’s game features lots of strengths on and off the court. He dribbles effectively, has superb court vision, and he can shoot, jump and defend. His basketball IQ is extremely high and he’s a dynamic leader and superb role model.
But, there’s another strength he possesses that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet. Kinugawa played this year without his mother watching in the stands, and thoughts of her often weighed heavily on him. Reiko Kinugawa died last May 31 of cancer.
“She loved to see me play,’’ Kinugawa said. “She was at so many of my AAU and varsity games. She displayed such strong character in battling pancreatic cancer. This season, I’d think of her during and after our games.’’
Kinugawa said that towards the end of her battle, his mother became very ill and “I had to be mentally prepared for her passing.’’
Kinugawa’s father (Toshi) offered his son and daughter exceptional support. He wanted them to lead their lives as normal as possible. “My father wanted our days to be normal as she fought the disease,’’ Kinugawa noted. “He always emphasized to be positive.’’
Natick coach Sam Doner and his staff are acutely aware just how positive their shooting guard is. “Sho is unbelievable on and off the court,’’ Doner said. “He works just as hard in practice as he does in games. He’s always looking for ways to improve and he never blames others if we’re having difficulties.’’
Doner also likes the assets that Kinugawa, who averaged 11.4 points a game during the regular season, brings to the table. “He can create his own shot,’’ Doner said. “He’s good off a pick-and-roll, can drive to the hoop, plays solid defense and has quick hands and feet. Sho can also play the point if needed.’’
Kinugawa, who would like to continue playing basketball in college, hopes to compete at Clark University in Worcester where he’s been accepted. An honor student, he likely will major in marketing or business management. As for basketball, he knows parts of his game need to improve.
“I need to be more consistent as a shooter and I have to work to cut down mistakes and fix any flaws,’’ he said. “And, when I make a poor decision, I can’t get mad. I’ve got to stay upbeat and be more positive.’’
Kinugawa’s best game this year was a 28-point effort against Newton North in front of a packed crowed at Newton. “The atmosphere was amazing and we beat them for the first time in 18 years,’’ he noted. “I played a solid all-around game and hit two buzzer-beaters to end two different quarters.’’
As for other highlights and thrills, Kinugawa enjoyed being a captain again and was humbled that he was chosen MVP early in the year in the Randolph Tournament. “I had 19 points, played good defense and had a strong all-around game against Stoughton,’’ he said. “I enjoy the leadership role that goes with being a captain. I try to lead by example and by being supportive. It’s important that all players know that you trust them.’’
Kinugawa, who greatly admires Doner for his ability to motivate and build team chemistry, lauds Natick’s other two captains — point guard Peter Ryan and center Will Brodnitzki. “Peter is the heart of our team,’’ Kinugawa said. “He can score, he’s quick and athletic and he takes losing hard. Will is mentally tough, a double-double machine. He had 22 points and 12 rebounds against Stoughton in the Randolph Tournament.’’
Calling his father his role model because “he’s positive and puts others first,’’ Kinugawa relies on a competitive philosophy of working hard to reach your potential, to win, and also to enjoy athletics.
“Sports teach great life lessons,’’ he emphasized. “You learn to never give up, to learn from mistakes and to be positive.
When he was seven years old, Kinugawa started playing basketball in the Natick youth and recreation leagues. He’s advanced his game to a high level and his goals this season are for Natick to go deep in the playoffs, get to the state tourney and win it. The Redhawks were 13-5 at Local Town Pages deadline and were preparing for another tourney run.
“It’s realistic that we can go to the States because we have the talent, the ability and team chemistry,’’ he said. “My personal goals going forward are to improve and refine my game.’’
Off the court, Kinugawa said he wants to live his life the way his mother would want. “She taught me to have fun and enjoy athletics, to be responsible and to treat everyone with respect,’’ he said.
For Sho Kinugawa, it’s mission accomplished.