Sophomores Dacanay, Takara spark Punahou
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
In the biggest game of the season, Punahou received a boost from two of its sophomore starters — guard Shanna-Lei Dacanay and forward Christine Takara — who played well beyond their years.
Punahou's Christine Takara has her shot blocked by a Kahuku defender during last night's state basketball championship game.
Dacanay scored seven of her 12 points in the second half and Takara capped an all-around game with four points, two rebounds and two steals while playing tough defense to lead Punahou past Kahuku, 56-52, in the title game of the Hawaiian Airlines Girls State Basketball Championship last night.
The two sophomores helped Punahou coach Mike Taylor win his first state championship and the Buffanblu's seventh state title overall.
"I'm just stoked," said Dacanay, who finished 3 of 7 from the field and 5 of 8 from the free-throw line. "Our slogan this year was one team, one goal. We came together as a team and we did it. I'm very happy."
Takara, who is considered one of the team's best defenders, managed to contain her jitters long enough to guard the Lady Raiders' top players — Latoya Wily and Karla Tailele.
"I wasn't as nervous as I was excited," said Takara, who finished 1 of 3 from the field and 2 of 5 from the free-throw line. "I was so happy to be here. This is what we worked our butts off all year to be in this position. it's a dream come true."
One of Punahou's outgoing seniors, center Becky Hogue, called Dacanay and Takara invaluable to the Buffanblu (17-0). Dacanay served as one of the Buffanblu's primary ball-handlers and Takara used her 5-foot-6 frame to harass the powerful front line of Kahuku (14-3).
"Christine always guards the best offensive player on the other team," Hogue said. "She does a great job and works so hard.
"Shanna is willing to take big shots. She goes up there with confidence and knocks them down. Today she knocked down some free throws that were very important for us."
Hogue said Punahou has a good chance for another championship run in the coming seasons with a young, up-and-coming roster.
"The future looks bright for Punahou," Hogue said. "You cannot replace a Rachel Kane, or an Elyse Umeda or a Becky Hogue. However, Shanna and Christine are going to have fabulous careers."
Taylor said Dacanay and Takara will lead next year's Buffanblu along with juniors Eryn Chun and Kelsey Jandoc, and sophomores Stacy Brossy, Makena Hunt, Tessa Sonobe and Gail Matsushima.
"We're blessed to have two kids like that who are so humble," Taylor said. "I think they learned a lot from our seniors. We're going to expect big things from them next year."
