Hawaii Prep World

Leagues may vote on return of state tournaments Friday

By Paul Honda on August 12, 2021

Coaches and players are cautiously optimistic about the HHSAA’s recommendation that state championships be played this fall sports season. The state’s four leagues controlled by the DOE will vote by Friday to follow the plan, or reject the possibility of state tournaments. There has not been a state tournament since the winter season of 2020, 18 months ago. Kahuku football coach Sterling Carvalho is confident that the recommendation will be accepted. “This does not surprise me. If the DOE and […]

Kahuku DC Sola Soliai recalls excellent adventures with late Matt Faga

By Paul Honda on August 10, 2021

The first time Sola Soliai met Matt Faga, it was two alpha dogs sizing each other up. Soliai was an assistant at Kaimuki back in 2007. Kaimuki was in the process of searching for an additional defensive line coach. “Practice starts. We’re running a drill with the D-line. Here comes this huge guy from the parking lot wearing a red shirt. I’m telling the D-line something, Matt walks on the field with his mad dog face, and I’m who the […]

Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn make it 33 offers for Tausili Akana

By Paul Honda on August 9, 2021

Tausili Akana has played his cards well. More than well. Each move by the junior from Hauula has been golden. Midas touch golden. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound linebacker capped a busy summer with offers from three SEC football programs: Georgia, Tennessee and Auburn. It was a cascading effect, with Georgia offer on July 26, Tennessee one day later, and Auburn a day after that. Those followed an official offer by Clemson on July 17. In all, the former Kamehameha and Wasatch […]

Promising freshman JJ Mandaquit of ‘Iolani enjoying a recharge in Hilo

By Paul Honda on August 9, 2021

In the hoops universe, JJ Mandaquit is a rising star. Of the class of 2025 — incoming freshmen — none has shone brighter on a national stage than the ‘Iolani hoopster. The general consensus is that Mandaquit and Pupuali‘i Sepulona are the top two incoming freshmen in Hawaii. Sepulona, a 6-foot-3 post scorer with a silky shooting stroke, was one of Saint Louis’ top scorers in its varsity summer league. The left-handed shooter is now playing football. Mandaquit was Sepulona’s […]

Former Kaimuki Bulldog recalls transformation from player to coach under late Matt Faga

By Paul Honda on August 8, 2021

It took no time for Matt Faga to walk from the highest level of the game back to his roots. Faga died on Saturday at 39, a victim of COVID-19 complications. The football community, from Kaimuki to Kaiser to Kahuku, remains in disbelief. He was an assistant coach at Kahuku under head coach Sterling Carvalho and defensive coordinator Sola Soliai, mentoring and guiding young players with the Rebel Squad in the offseason. The former Kaimuki and Hawaii standout defensive tackle […]

HBG plays big, wins 5-Tool tourney in SoCal

By Paul Honda on August 6, 2021

Hawaii Baseball Group embarked on a 19-game, 15-day journey to Southern California on July 23. HBG will return on Saturday with a 18U Upperclass championship trophy from the Five-Tool West World Series. Including games prior to the tournament in Orange County, Calif., the team of 28 players from 12 high schools went 15-3-1. Reyn Matsuzaki’s walk-off RBI single lifted HBG over TB SoCal, 4-3, in the final. In the semifinals, Hawaii Baseball Group edged the Saddleback Cowboys, 2-1. “It was […]

DOE postponement of fall sports ends Mililani’s dream matchup with Mater Dei

By Paul Honda on August 6, 2021

There will be no Mililani showdown against national powerhouse Mater Dei. The game, scheduled for Sept. 11 at St. John Bosco’s stadium, has been called off. The DOE announced on Wednesday that all fall sports have been put on hold until Sept. 24, ending what could have been a peak experience for the Trojans. “(Coach Rod York) broke the news that we’re not going to end up going to Cali,” wide receiver Kainoa Ferreira said. “All the boys were really […]

Coaches react to OIA/DOE’s decision to postpone fall sports

By Paul Honda on August 4, 2021

Some coaches are understanding, but others are doubtful that the right decisions are being made at the best time. Coaches around the state reacted to the DOE and Oahu Interscholastic Association’s decision to postpone fall sports until Sept. 24. The league and DOE are requiring vaccination of all student-athletes in fall sports, which led one unnamed coach to question the level of fairness. “My thing is, OK, why are they making the athletes vaccinate? What about the students in the […]

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Leagues may vote on return of state tournaments Friday

Kahuku DC Sola Soliai recalls excellent adventures with late Matt Faga

Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn make it 33 offers for Tausili Akana

Promising freshman JJ Mandaquit of ‘Iolani enjoying a recharge in Hilo

Former Kaimuki Bulldog recalls transformation from player to coach under late Matt Faga

HBG plays big, wins 5-Tool tourney in SoCal

DOE postponement of fall sports ends Mililani’s dream matchup with Mater Dei

Coaches react to OIA/DOE’s decision to postpone fall sports

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