Spurred by a 3-0 run through the Sacred Hearts Academy Invitational, the ‘Iolani Raiders retained their hold of No. 1 in the Star-Advertiser Girls Basketball Top Ten today.
The Raiders had just three of 10 first-place votes last week, but collected nine of those ducats this time. ‘Iolani is 9-0 already and posted a win over Sacred Hearts in its Interscholastic League of Honolulu opener last Monday.
Maryknoll (10-0) replaced Konawaena at No. 2. The team with no seniors had a quiet week, overwhelming Kahuku 63-33 on Wednesday. The visiting Lady Raiders played without All-State Fab 15 center Sisilia Kaufusi (injury).
Kalani made the biggest jump, launching from the sixth spot to No. 3. The Lady Falcons swept through the Konawaena Invitational with victories over the host Wildcats (65-54), Hilo (60-51) and Lahainaluna (50-41). Those wins over three ranked opponents have the Falcons at 7-2 overall as they build chemistry with returnees and new additions like Kamalu Kamakawiwo‘ole.
Lahainaluna (3-3) and Kamehameha (5-2) remained at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively. The Lady Lunas edged Hilo (43-42) and Konawaena (61-52, four overtimes) at the Invitational, but lost to Kalani. All-State forward Susitina Namoa sat for most of the Kalani game with an ankle injury.
Waiakea (6-3) remained at No. 7 after going 4-2 in two tournaments on Oahu. The Warriors’ wins were over Kaiser (57-40), Mid-Pacific (77-61), Castle (67-48) and Sacred Hearts (64-51). They lost to Kamehameha (64-51) and ‘Iolani (66-55) on Friday.
Hilo (1-2) was tied with Waiakea at the seventh spot last week, but dropped a notch to No. 8. The Vikings lost to Lahainaluna and Kalani at Konawaena’s tourney.
Punahou (4-0) and Sacred Hearts (9-3, 0-1 ILH) remained status quo at No. 9 and No. 10. Punahou, with longtime boys D-II coach Gary Pacarro directing the D-I girls, is 4-0, including wins last week over Moanalua (78-33) and McKinley (64-24).
The Buffanblu will host Sacred Hearts on Tuesday. At their tournament, the Lancers posted decisive wins over Radford (53-33) and Kaimuki (61-40) before falling to Waiakea.
The teams receiving votes are Mililani and Mid-Pacific. Mililani (4-3) have wins over Sacred Hearts, Mid-Pacific (twice) and Moanalua. Their losses were to Maryknoll, Kamehameha and ‘Iolani.
Honolulu Star-Advertiser Top 10
| GIRLS VOLLEYBALL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 10/23 | ||
| RANK | TEAM | VOTES |
| 1. | Kamehameha (10) | 100 |
| 2. | Punahou | 89 |
| 3. | KS-Hawaii | 80 |
| 4. | Moanalua | 67 |
| 5. | 'Iolani | 60 |
| 6. | Baldwin | 46 |
| 7. | Mililani | 34 |
| 8. | Mid-Pacific | 27 |
| 9. | Damien | 20 |
| 10. | University | 14 |
Kalani could be #1. They have no idea how to be the dominant team and will always give other teams a chance to beat them. They will struggle against a well coached team and talented players.
I agree with burgla. I saw Kalani play all three games at Konawaena Invitational. Falcons have the talent to get to the state title game. They just gotta want it enough.
But allow me to paraphrase Kevin Wong: Those who count out Kona are fools.
1. Iolani
2. Maryknoll
3. Kalani
4. Punahou
5. Konawaena
6. Lahainaluna
7. Kamehameha
8. Hilo
9. Waiakea
10. Sacred Hearts
1. Iolani
2. Maryknoll
3. Kalani
4. Punahou
5. Lahainaluna
6. Konawaena
7. Kamehameha
8. Hilo
9. Waiakea
10. Sacred Hearts
Mr. Honda, Kamakawiwoole (broken nose) was injured in the 3rd qtr. & left the game before Namoa (ankle) left the game. Both players didn’t return to the game. Don’t make it look so one sided. If you’re going to list an injury to a key player on one team be sure to list the other one too.
As stated above, Kalani has the talent to win it all. The question is do they have the coaching to accomplish it.
Chi Mok is a solid coach. Chico is a solid coach. Waiakea coach I hear has all kine problems from the parents and community.
Mok is FAR from solid! If you have watched Kalani play they don’t use their best lineups and allow teams with lesser talent to compete. The girls win in spite of the coaches which speaks to the talent level. Anyone with an eye for hoops could coach Kalani and win.
To Scorpio: they do not have the leadership to win it all( coaching) I think Kalani should be undefeated; I know Kalani should be undefeated. The way to win is to control pace and Mok doesn’t know how or just won’t do it.
FYI from Kealakekua: Kalani appeared well coached at the Kona Tournament… I never complain about officiating, but here’s a fact about Friday night: 96 personal fouls were called in the two games (Hilo-Kalani and Kona-Luna)… The Luna-Falcon game was over in the first period, but it was played at noon on Saturday after the 4OT war with Kona the night before, and as we all know, wars are costly… three of the best bigs in the state were at this tournament and will no doubt help determine the state championship… I bleed green and so I’ll say that Kaupu is the cream of the crop, but Namoa and Kamalu also leave nothing but nuclear wastelands in their wake… Kalani has other weapons besides Kamalu, with McDaniel, Halunajan and Viela… Kona started a little slow, but to quote Dylan, “let us stop talking falsely, the hour’s getting late;” Two starters (Salazar-Harrell and Losalio-Watson) and the first off the bench (Pak) had never tasted a moment of high school basketball before last weekend. Confidence among the “Kiddy Cats” expanded exponentially as the tournament progressed. A great season awaits.
Ok Bobby Command; you right about the 3 girls and Kaupu is player of year contender. But please be honest bout Kalani; if Kaupu had a lil more help they win. Better coaches.