Victoria Kintz left Mid-Pacific a couple of years ago. Like a lot of families, it was no different for hers. Private school can be expensive as heck. But the move to Kaimuki was timely. Last season, she sparked the Bulldogs to an OIA D-II crown.
On Tuesday, she scored 16 points to help Kaimuki edge Kahuku 41-36. Jason Kaneshiro reports that Kintz hit three of her team’s eight 3-point bombs. Freshman Kaelyn Espinda, daughter of Kaimuki boys coach Greydon Espinda, hit two treys and scored nine points.
It’s always fun to see Kaimuki playing good basketball. Enrollment has dwindled over the years, so the Bulldogs have never been a consistent powerhouse, but the ‘Dogs have often shown potential to do that. The state titles in boys hoops — one under Raymond Fujino, the other under Kelly Grant — offered glimpses at the talent level in the district. The girls have been led by one of the best, Mona Fa‘asoa. She keeps the gym open often during the offseason, and though Kaimuki is a small school these days enrollment-wise, her enthusiasm and knowledge always give the Bulldogs a chance.
Division II is wide open this season. McKinley will be tough in the OIA. Damien, Hawaii Baptist and Mid-Pacific are among the many talented programs in ILH D-II. But two-time defending state champion Honokaa has moved up to D-I this season, leaving Kamehameha-Hawaii as probably the lone threat from the BIIF.
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