Boys basketball

Perfection is unattainable on the hardwood, but that doesn’t stop the Maryknoll Spartans from trying. The top seed, ranked No. 1 in the Star-Advertiser Top 10 for the past six weeks, demonstrated more of their defensive excellence on Friday night. Maryknoll’s 47-29 semifinal win over OIA runner-up Kailua produced some notable numbers. >> Kailua shot 9-for-45 (20 percent) from the field >> Kailua was 1-for-17 from 3-point range >> Maryknoll made Kailua’s lethal scorer, Everett Torres-Kahapea, work for his 16 […]

Hayden Bauydan was an eighth-grader, but had a spot on the bench at the Stan Sheriff Center last year when Damien lost to St. Francis in the Division II state championship game. A year later, Bayudan is the starting point guard for the Monarchs, who have rolled their way back to the state final following a 78-50 thumping of a good Seabury Hall squad on Friday night at Kalani. Six-foot-7 junior Bryce Forbes led four Monarchs in double figures with […]

It was old school for the Sons of Oahu, all right. Not a single 3-point shot splashed. They missed 13 free throws, were outrebounded 29-24, committed as many turnovers (14) as they had field goals made. As usual, Punahou (28-5) got it done with relentless defense. The Buffanblu’s wild 48-42 win over rival ‘Iolani means Punahou’s chance at repeating as state champion is alive and well. Jakob Kimura led the way with 15 points and six of his team’s 12 […]

Lahainaluna brought tough defense. Punahou brought an old-school willingness to pound the low post and cut for passes and layups. Unseeded Punahou’s 74-54 win over MIL champion Lahainaluna was more than just the Buffanblu offense humming. They shot 53 percent from the field (31-for-53) with great ball movement, getting 17 points from Kaulana Makaula and 13 by center Duke Clemens. Defense, once again, is where Punahou locked down. The ILH runner-up forced the Lunas into 21 turnovers. They also limited […]

In the end, two evenly-matched teams that were mathematically identical on the scoreboard needed four extra minutes to determine which would live and which would not. The ‘Iolani Raiders’ 52-47 overtime win over Moanalua was a testimonial to their willingness to do what it takes. Yes, on a cold-shooting night, Kawika Lee’s proficiency from the arc — 4-for-7 — were a key to a fourth-quarter comeback. But it took more. Long-range bombers Sam Wheeler and Frank Felix, hounded all game […]

Two days ago, a rumor swirled about Sol Batoon’s status as the boys basketball coach at Saint Louis. On Thursday morning, the rumor transformed into reality. Saint Louis administrators met with Batoon early in the day and told him he has been released as head coach. “I have no regrets. I enjoyed the experience,” Batoon said. “We had a successful year and turned the culture around.” The Crusaders began the nonconference season with a 7-0 mark, including a win over […]

Here’s a look at the Division II bracket of the Snapple/HHSAA Boys Basketball State Championships, which tips off on Thursday. The eight-team field makes it tight quarters with no room for slippage compared to the 12-team fields in boys D-I, and the girls D-I and D-II brackets. Division II Damien (25-2) vs. Kohala (13-3) Kalani gym Thursday, 7 p.m. >> Status: Damien is the top seed in this tourney. The ILH champion Monarchs are the team to beat, a D-II […]

Here’s a look at the Division I quarterfinal matchups in the Snapple/HHSAA Boys Basketball State Championships. Division I Maryknoll (27-2) vs. Kapolei (18-8) McKinley Student Council Gym Thursday, 5 p.m. >> Status: The Spartans are the class of the tournament in terms of talent, performance and resume. They enter the the big dance as the top seed and have been at No. 1 in the Star-Advertiser Top 10 for six weeks in a row. Oh, and they’re on a 13-game […]