Coaches, media make Punahou unanimous No. 1

For the fifth week in a row, the Punahou Buffanblu are No. 1 in the Star-Advertiser Boys Basketball Top 10.

It is the second time this season that Punahou is a unanimous selection by coaches and media.

Punahou (20-1, 4-0 Interscholastic League of Honolulu) extended its winning streak to 14 games with victories over No. 2 Kamehameha (66-59) and Saint Louis (73-63) last week. The Buffanblu will host ‘Iolani on Tuesday, Maryknoll on Thursday and Mid-Pacific on Saturday.

No teams dropped out of the Top 10 since last week, and eight are in their same positions. Kamehameha (16-4, 3-1 ILH) bounced back from the loss to Punahou with a 64-54 win over Mid-Pacific. The Warriors will travel to Maryknoll on Tuesday, Saint Louis on Thursday, and then host ‘Iolani on Saturday.

St. Francis (20-3, 4-0 ILH D-II) is at No. 3 for the second consecutive week. The Saints defeated Damien and Hawaii Baptist last week. Against Top 10 teams, St. Francis has a 5-3 mark. Their only losses were to Punahou (twice) and Kamehameha.

The Saints visit Hanalani on Wednesday and entertain University on Saturday.

Maryknoll (18-4, 3-1 ILH) is at No. 4 after wins over Mid-Pacific and ‘Iolani. The Spartans host Kamehameha on Tuesday, walk to Punahou on Thursday and welcome Saint Louis on Saturday.

Kahuku (19-3, 7-0 OIA East) is still at No. 5 after routing Castle and Kaimuki last week. The Red Raiders’ losses have been to Kamehameha, ‘Iolani and Punahou. Center Tolu Smith (ankle) didn’t against Kamehameha and ‘Iolani. He did play against Punahou in a controversial 50-48 loss during the St. Francis Holiday Hoops Classic. Photos showed that Punahou’s game-winning shot was taken with :00 on the game clock.

Kapolei, Lahainaluna, Kamehameha-Hawaii, ‘Iolani and Campbell round out the Top 10.

Mid-Pacific (three), Aiea (two) and Kalani (one) also received at least one vote.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser Top 10