Strong field chasing Iolani
By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer
The 48th annual Hawai'i High School Athletic Association boys basketball tournament offers fans more than just a last chance to see Iolani — the most dominant team here in three decades — and its point guard, Derrick Low, whom many regard as the state's best prep player ever.
The tournament, which tips off with four games today at Blaisdell Arena, also features 11 other teams that are evenly matched and vastly improved.
MIYASAKA
Iolani, which is 69-0 against Hawai'i opponents since Dec. 7, 2001, will attempt to become the first program since Punahou (1979-81) to win three straight HHSAA championships.
But teams like Kalaheo, led by splendid center Sam Wilhoite, and Punahou, led by freshmen sensations Jeremiah Ostrowski and Spencer McLachlin, have improved immensely since facing the Raiders.
Even a team like Kaimuki, led by senior wing Jimmy Miyasaka, is dangerous. But first the Bulldogs will need to win today's first-round game against Waimea, which brings one of its best teams in years led by do-everything athlete Jordon Dizon.
In short, the tournament promises to feature exciting competition from the opening tip at 2:15 p.m. today until the final whistle on Saturday.
Here is a capsule look at each of the 12 teams in the field:
Baldwin
Record: 10-2
Coach: Wayne Gushiken
Summary: The Bears are by far the youngest team in the tournament, with not a single senior on the roster and four sophomores and three freshmen. They also are one of the shortest teams, with only one player over 6 feet (6-2 junior center Cody Nakamura). Junior forward Trenson Himalaya (6-0) is a scoring threat and junior Cody Tesoro (5-9) runs the offense from the point. Sophomore guard Matt Heyd (5-10) is one of the team's top shooters.
Iolani
Record: 14-0
Coach: Mark Mugiishi
Summary: The Raiders have been seriously challenged only once against a Hawai'i opponent, and that was two weeks ago in a 63-58 victory over Punahou. No other team has been able to overcome Iolani's intense perimeter defense or the Raiders' arsenal of shooters. Senior point guard Derrick Low (6-1) seems to provide a thrilling new move in every big game. Senior guard Ryan Hirata (5-8) can sink 3-pointers from up to 28 feet and is a quick one-on-one defender. Junior wing Kyle Pape (6-2) is another deadly shooter and is dangerous on the break. Senior forward Zach Tollefson (6-2) quietly contributes with a solid inside-out game. Senior post Todd Blankenship (6-2) is an undersized but smart center who knows how to snatch a rebound or create a shot. Jon Yasuda (5-9), Vinny Nip (5-8), Sean Carney (6-3) and Kawika Shoji (6-2) provide excellent depth off the bench.
Kaimuki
Record: 11-4
Coach: Stephen Lee
Summary: The Bulldogs again were one of the state's most enigmatic teams (losing to Kailua, then beating Kalaheo nine days later). When it is playing well, Kaimuki is capable of beating almost anyone. Senior Jimmy Miyasaka (6-1) can play all five positions and will score from inside and out. Senior forward Nick Milan (6-3) has developed into an agile scorer and rebounder. Junior point guard Kekoa Onaga (5-7) has taken a leadership role and can score off the dribble or from beyond the arc. Junior guard Isaiah Ano (6-2) is dangerous on the break and can help on the boards. Junior center Tony Fa'asoa (6-4) provides a physical presence underneath, and senior center Dexter Tautofi (6-4) is a leaper.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
Kalaheo
Kalaheo's 6-foot-7 Sam Wilhoite, the state's top big man, can score from inside and out, as was evident when he scored 31 points in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association championship game.
Record: 13-1
Coach: Chico Furtado
Summary: Earlier this season, the Mustangs might have been jokingly referred to as "Sam Wilhoite and the Seven Dwarfs." But no more. Wilhoite, a 6-7 senior, still is the state's premier big man — virtually unstoppable on offense with an array of inside moves plus 3-point shooting ability, and dominant defensively with nine blocks against Mililani last Friday. Now he is getting substantial offensive help from junior shooting guard Theo Fujita (5-11) and senior wing Will Elliott (5-10). Point guards Matt Nakashima, a senior, and Chris Tumaneng, a sophomore (both 5-8), have cut down on turnovers and handle defensive pressure much better than in the preseason. Senior forward Neil Bowers (6-0) does the dirty work and will hit the occasional jumper, and junior guard David Moore (6-0) also provides defense and does the little things that sometimes go unnoticed.
Kamehameha
Record: 10-6
Coach: Jesse Nakanishi
Summary: Like Kaimuki, the Warriors were an enigma — losing to Mid-Pacific and University, but also pushing Punahou to overtime and playing Iolani relatively close. Any game plan against Kamehameha must address junior center Waika Spencer (6-5). Big and athletic, Spencer is tough to stop inside, will block or alter shots and can run the floor. Junior guard Ikaika Hardie (5-9) is a slasher who can score off the dribble or nail the jumper. Senior guard Kawika Hepa (6-2) poses matchup problems and will sink the 3-pointer. Senior forward Gabe Spencer (6-2) is yet another superb athlete with size and scoring ability.
Kealakehe
Record: 15-0
Coach: Brian Boshard
Summary: Senior forward Kyle Teves (6-2) is one of the state's top athletes and can score and defend. Senior guard Easton Takata (5-8) controls the tempo on offense and is a threat to score, as evidenced by a 22-point outing against Ka'u and 19 points vs. Hawai'i Prep. Senior guard Jared Ursua (5-11) is one of the team's top defenders. Junior forward Ioane Spencer (6-4) played on Kamehameha's state semifinal team last year and is an athletic presence inside. Senior guard Cody Henriques (5-11) is the fifth starter, and junior guard Loa Patao (5-9), senior forward Aikane Pavitt (6-0) and senior guard Michael Kaniho (6-1) also play key roles for Kealakehe, which relies heavily on chemistry and team defense.
Maui
Record: 12-0
Coach: Bill Naylor
Summary: This is a much different Sabers team from the one that went 28-1 and reached last year's state semifinals. But one key player who is back, senior Gene Rivera, is one of the state's best. At 6-3, Rivera has been playing point guard and can score off the dribble or with a silky outside jumper, and he also had eight blocks in a game three times this season. Senior guard Ronald Belany (6-1) has elevated his game from a reserve role last year to a primary one this season. Senior guard Ryan Ishizu (5-7) and senior forward Sean Curtis (6-2) are other key starters, and senior center Chris Kelly (6-4) can be a presence if he stays out of foul trouble. Junior guard Shaka Batson (5-7) provides depth off the bench.
McKinley
Record: 9-6
Coach: Bob Morikuni
Summary: The Tigers are small, with four starters at 5-8 or under, but they hustle to the ball and play much bigger than their height. Senior guard Lokahi Holder (5-8) is a creative scorer who has a quick first step and can change his shot in midair, using either hand. Senior forward Abel Werner (5-8) is another sneaky scorer who will find his way through the lane and draw the foul against bigger defenders. Senior point guard Joshua Valdez (5-6) will rarely shoot, but can knock down the 3-pointer if left open. Junior guard Kapena Quisano (5-5) also can keep defenses honest but, like the other Tigers, will patiently look for the open man first. Senior center Iakopo Taumua (6-2) is McKinley's tallest starter but focuses more on rebounding and blocking shots than scoring. Senior forward Mark Nakatsuka (5-7) is a rare substitute for the Tigers, who will use only six or seven players most of the game.
Mililani
Record: 12-1
Coach: Mike Coito
Summary: The Trojans are a jump-shooting team that also has excellent backcourt strength but not much size. Senior guard Puna Neumann (5-10) recovered from a dislocated shoulder suffered on Feb. 18 and scored 10 points against Kalaheo two days later. Senior guard Alex Patykula (5-11) has had the hot hand of late, pouring in 22 against McKinley last week. He can also score off the dribble. Senior guard Aaron Kanno (5-8) has a quick release and can sink the 3-pointer. All three guards are excellent ball handlers who can handle defensive pressure. Junior forward Nick Rogers (6-0) is another outside threat, and senior center Mikhail Mabry (6-2) and junior forward Jon Santos (6-0) provide muscle underneath. Junior guard Scott Neumann (5-8) is another solid jump shooter, and senior forward Andrew Tokumi (5-11) provides experience and depth off the bench.
Punahou
Record: 12-2
Coach: Greg Tacon
Summary: The Buffanblu are a young team that has made dramatic improvement throughout the season. They led Iolani until late in a 63-58 loss two weeks ago. A major difference-maker was Spencer McLachlin, a 6-5 freshman who played point guard. McLachlin displayed tremendous all-around skills by scoring 11 points, grabbing five rebounds, blocking two shots, making two assists and committing only one turnover against heavy defensive pressure. Fellow freshman guard Jeremiah Ostrowski (5-9) is Punahou's top scorer; he can sink the 3-pointer or slash his way to the basket. Sophomore forward Brenton Lee (6-1) can score inside or from the baseline, and junior post Kasey Ko (6-3) can step out and hit the mid-range shot. Senior forward Reid Fowler (6-0) is another threat from outside. The Buffanblu also displayed great team passing against Iolani in avoiding the halfcourt trap.
Waiakea
Record: 12-3
Coach: Jay Bartholomew
Summary: With only two players over 6 feet, the Warriors rely heavily on their play on the perimeter. Junior guard Michael Belmes (5-9) is their primary threat, but he gets help on the inside from junior post Abe McGrew (6-4). Junior guard Kahanu Irizarry (5-11) has come on strong and senior guards Kyle Correia (5-7) and Tyler Nishimura (5-6) provide experience. Senior forward Cheynne Hirota (5-10) is another key contributor.
Waimea
Record: 8-0
Coach: Matt Taba
Summary: The Menehunes surprised many by winning last year's consolation championship, and they bring another strong team to this tournament. Senior forward Jordon Dizon (6-1) is one of the state's top athletes and can be a dominant scorer and rebounder inside. Dizon, however, also played soccer this winter and has been slowed by nagging injuries. Senior guard Bully Emayo (5-6), junior guard Jeremy Manuel (5-5) and sophomore guard Chad Barba (5-5) are all quick defenders who can apply heavy pressure on the perimeter. Senior forward Casey Kaohilauli'i (6-5) is active near the basket and can run the floor. Senior forward Kamu Kawaihalau (6-3) gives Waimea more depth inside.
Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.
