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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 3:03 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2003

UH basketball teams debut at Midnight 'Ohana

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Midnight 'Ohana has always been a special time for the University of Hawai'i basketball teams.

Last night was no exception as the 2003-04 UH men’s and women’s teams moved and grooved to a theme of "Time to Rock."

The Rainbow Warriors and Wahine were introduced last night before around 3,500 fans at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The night started around 8 p.m. with a concert and carnival games.

It ended some six hours later with the players eager to start the season.

"What this does is get everybody excited for the season — the fans, the players, the coaches, everybody," said UH senior forward Phil Martin. "This is a tradition. It’s something unique to Hawai'i and it’s fun to be a part of."

Time to Rock took on special meaning for:

-- Haim Shimonovich, a 6-foot-10 senior center who had game highs of 14 points and eight rebounds to lead the White to a 39-35 victory over the Green in the menâs intrasquad scrimmage.

Earlier in the week, Shimonovich was the No. 1 draft choice for the scrimmage by associate coach Jackson Wheeler and guest coach Trevor Ruffin.

"I didn't think too much about that," Shimonovich said. "I just wanted to go out and play."

-- Julian Sensley, the highly-touted recruit who made his debut as a Rainbow Warrior last night.

The 6-9 forward and former Kalaheo High standout had 12 points and five rebounds for the winning White squad.

"I thought Julian showed what skills he’s got and how he can pass the ball really well, too," UH head coach Riley Wallace said.

-- Jason Carter, a 5-10 senior guard who dazzled the crowd with his 40-inch jumping ability during the slam-dunk contest.

Carter completed two spectacular dunks to easily win the event. The other three dunkers — Sensley, Martin and Jeff Blackett, are all about a foot taller than Carter.

-- April Atuaia, the lone senior on the Wahine roster who brought the crowd to its feet by winning men's vs. women's 3-point shootout.

Atuaia out-shot Jake Sottos of the men's team, 21-13.

-- The entire roster of Rainbow Warriors and Wahine, who dressed up as "rock stars" during the introductions.

Among the best costumes were Milia Macfarlane as Cher, Janevia Taylor as Tina Turner, and Blackett, Sottos and Logan Lee as the rock group Guns n Roses.

The coaches, Wallace and Vince Goo, drove out to midcourt in a DeLorean for their introductions as part of a "Back to the Future" skit.

Several former 'Bows attended the event, including Andre Morgan, Dwight Holiday, Tes Whitlock and Kalia McGee.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.