The Punahou boys volleyball program rarely seems to get much out of the annual Hawaii Boys Volleyball Invitational, but this year might be different.
The Buffanblu are entered in ‘Iolani’s tournament, sharing a pool with KS-Maui, McKinley and Redondo Union (Calif.). Punahou has won the title the past two years, beating Moanalua in the final each time.
Punahou is expected to roll through its pool, but will get a chance to sharpen its skills on Friday after playing Redondo Union.
There will be a coaches clinic from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, featuring former UH Wahine head coach Dave Shoji imparting his wisdom. He will be joined by 11-time HHSAA champion coach Chris McLachlin and Olympic gold medalist Tony Crabb. Local coaches Pono Ma’a and Charlie Jenkins will also help out.
Punahou opens play against McKinley at 1 p.m. on Thursday and will get a break before taking on KS-Maui at 3. The Buffanblu play Redondo Union on Friday at 1 p.m. before bracket play begins.
Six-time defending state Division II champion Hawaii Baptist shares a pool with La Jolla (Calif.), Punahou II and Kalani. The Eagles play Kalani at 1 p.m. on Thursday.
Moanalua, which has lost in the final to Punahou in each of the last two years, is in a pool with Prince Charles (Canada), Mid-Pacific and Maryknoll. Moanalua doesn’t play its first match until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday when it takes on Prince Charles.
The match of the night on the first day might be in the fourth pool, where host ‘Iolani will play Kaiser at 7:30 p.m. Kealakehe and Sylmar (Calif.) are also in the pool.
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