Boys volleyball

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii >> The dominoes fell at Kealakehe, which could turn into a blessing for Makua Lani Christian Academy. The Lions stunned the BIIF in the spring, going unbeaten to capture their first league boys volleyball championship. Coach Ryenn Sotelo’s first season was an eye-opener for the school with less than 300 students. Makua Lani (13-5 overall) has a different atmosphere, Sotelo said. “Makua Lani feels like family,” he said. Their eight-man roster was sparked by sophomore setter Kaipono Benson, […]

From Alabama to Honolulu, Max Slaughter‘s voyage has been about deserts, paradise and growth. Playing Alabama with a volleyball-loving family, off-season practices were a 90-minute drive away. Slaughter was a 5-foot-5 outside hitter in middle school, and when the family prepared to move to the islands after his freshman year, there was no telling what his potential was. He fulfilled it in every possible way. Now 6-2, the persistent and resilient Moanalua senior was voted Star-Advertiser Boys Volleyball All-State player […]

He kept grinding away, day by day, and now, Max Slaughter is at the top of his game. The Moanalua senior is also atop the Star-Advertiser Boys Volleyball All-State Fab 15. Coaches and media voted the 6-foot-2 outside hitter the player of the year after Slaughter sparked Na Menehune to an OIA championship. Moanalua reached the semifinal round of the state tournament, falling to eventual champion Punahou in five gripping sets. Punahou junior Jack Deuchar was second in the balloting, […]

Two powerhouses, one throne. Punahou made up an impressive amount of ground in a span of two weeks, emerging from the runner-up spot in the ILH to state champion for an eighth year in a row. In the process, Coach Rick Tune’s team tipped over the mighty machine of ‘Iolani, which had played superlative volleyball, particularly while sinking Punahou three times late in the ILH season. The Buffanblu’s 25-16, 24-26, 25-19, 25-22 victory over top-seeded ‘Iolani wasn’t a shock. It […]