Immediately after Punahou won its second straight Hawaiian Airlines/Hawai'i High School Athletic Association Girls Basketball Championship in 2006, the Buffanblu were anointed by almost everyone as the overwhelming favorite to three-peat in 2007.

But that prediction became less automatic in November after junior forward Shaena-Lyn Kuehu suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, and then the title really got thrown up for grabs a month later when Shaena-Lyn's twin sister, Shawna-Lei, suffered the same injury.

Neither has played this season, although Punahou did earn a return to the state tournament by edging Kamehameha in overtime last week for the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's second-place tournament title.

But it still is anybody's guess who will be hoisting the state championship trophy come Friday night at Stan Sheriff Center. O'ahu Interscholastic Association champ Roosevelt received the No. 1 seed, with Big Island Interscholastic Federation champ Konawaena No. 2 and ILH champ 'Iolani No. 3.

But even those selections easily could have been in any order.

Here is a closer look at all 12 teams (records do not include non-league play) as tournament action begins today with four first-round games:

FARRINGTON

COACH: Jenic Tumaneng

RECORD: 10-6

BERTH: OIA fourth place

NOTABLE: The Governors are averaging just 23 points per game in their last two games — both losses. Senior guard C'ani Kealoha (5-6) scored 23 points in an OIA quarterfinal game against 'Aiea and is one of the league's top shooters.

HONOKA'A

COACH: Shawna Lau Kong

RECORD: 12-3

BERTH: BIIF runner-up

NOTABLE: The Dragons feature 5-6 senior guard Keisha Kanekoa, a two-time Advertiser All-State first-team selection who has signed with the University of Hawai'i. Kanekoa has outstanding ball-handling and passing skills and keen overall instincts, but had a poor shooting tournament last year. Sisters Jessika (5-6, Sr., F) and Jamaika Lorenzo (5-9, Jr., C) provide solid low post options for Kanekoa. Lau Kong is in her first year, taking over for longtime successful coach Daphne Honma.

'IOLANI

COACH: Glenn Takara

RECORD: 11-2

BERTH: ILH champion

NOTABLE: The Raiders' offense centers around post Jamie Smith, a 6-foot junior who scores often on inside moves and putbacks. She also grabs a ton of defensive rebounds and runs the floor well. A key factor is senior forward Alana Matayoshi (5-8). When she is on her offensive game, it helps free Smith and makes a big difference inside. When she is not scoring, it puts added pressure on Smith and smaller guards who are not used to shooting a lot. Guards Chanel Hirata (5-4, Jr.) and Tami Konishi (5-4, So.) are good outside shooters and fellow guards Kylie Ahlo (5-4, Jr.) and Chelsea Unemori (5-0, Sr.) handle the ball well on the perimeter.

KAHUKU

COACH: Peni Latu

RECORD: 6-10

BERTH: OIA sixth place

NOTABLE: The Red Raiders started the season 3-0 before stumbling, and then pulled off an upset of Roosevelt in the final week of OIA Eastern Division play. Kahuku started the season with five senior starters, but were banged up as the season went on. Freshman forward Taeja Afalava (5-8) leads a balanced scoring attack.

KALANI

COACH: Darold Imanaka

RECORD: 12-3

BERTH: OIA third place

NOTABLE: The Falcons are deep and talented, but have struggled with consistency at times. Guard/forward Courtney Gaddis (5-11, Sr.) is at her best in the open floor, but also can hit the mid-range jumper and contribute on putbacks. Rhianna Farm (5-11, Jr.) and Violet Alama (5-11, So.) add more height in the post. Senior guard Megan Kamehiro (5-5) is a scoring threat and explosive in the open court, and Kacie Gushiken (5-1, G, Sr.) is another quick guard who provides hustle. Chloe Martin (5-1, G, Jr.) is a 3-point threat and Kim Cabuyadao (5-6, G, Sr.) brings energy and scoring potential off the bench.

KONAWAENA

COACH: Bobbie Awa

RECORD: 14-0

BERTH: BIIF champion

NOTABLE: The Wildcats feature senior Jazzmin Awa-Williams, a 5-9 wing/post who is a two-time Advertiser All-State first-team selection. Awa-Williams is a fluid scorer with inside moves and a nice touch from mid-range; she also blocks shots and grabs a lot of rebounds. Junior forward/center Mana Hopkins (5-9) provides scoring to complement Awa-Williams.

LAHAINALUNA

COACH: Todd Rickard

RECORD: 13-1

BERTH: MIL champion

NOTABLE: The Lunas are young, with only three seniors on a roster of 15. They also have five sophomores and four freshmen. Lahainaluna is not particularly tall, with only one player above 5-8. The Lunas won their third straight league title by edging Maui, 40-38, in the MIL tournament championship game. Sophomore forward/center Ofa Namoa (5-8) has been a top scorer and freshman post Milika Taufa (5-10) has been a presence inside.

MAUI

COACH: Gilbert Silva

RECORD: 10-4

BERTH: MIL runner-up

NOTABLE: The Sabers handed Lahainaluna its only league loss and made a run at the Lunas in the MIL tournament final. They have good height across the lineup, with Lilieni Laloulu-Saleimoa (5-10, G, Sr.), Hotia Va'aimamao (6-0, F, Sr.) and Annika Howland (6-1, C, Sr.) leading a group of six players at 5-5 or taller.

MOANALUA

COACH: Rick Gonsalves

RECORD: 6-10

BERTH: OIA fifth place

NOTABLE: Na Menehune are young, with only two seniors on the roster. They lost their first five OIA games, then rallied and scored key victories over Kalaheo and Kahuku in the postseason. Moanalua will rely heavily on the Ronolo sisters. Britni, a 5-9 junior forward, handles the inside, while Jamie, a 5-5 senior guard/forward, takes care of the outside. Both are three-year varsity starters.

PUNAHOU

COACH: Mike Taylor

RECORD: 9-5

BERTH: ILH runner-up

NOTABLE: The Buffanblu have qualified for their 14th straight state tournament despite losing their two best players, twins Shawna-Lei and Shaena-Lyn Kuehu, to serious knee injuries months before the season. Neither has played this season, although Shaena has suited up and was described as "75 percent" healthy over a month ago. Punahou suffered another tough break recently when veteran senior guard Ciana Aiwohi also went down with a season-ending knee injury. The Buffanblu have made up for the losses with relentless pressure defense and balanced scoring. Sophomore guard Janelle Nomura (5-5) was the big producer in their overtime victory over Kamehameha for the state berth last Thursday, notching 17 points. Fellow guard Melanie Feldman (5-6, Sr.) also has had big nights offensively, and junior guard Dara Tompkison (5-5) is a dangerous 3-point threat. Chelsea Deptula (5-10, Sr.) and Tressa Torres (5-9, So.) provide some inside scoring and rebounding.

RADFORD

COACH: David Lane

RECORD: 13-2

BERTH: OIA runner-up

NOTABLE: The Rams made a big breakthrough by advancing to the OIA championship game, becoming the first Western Division team to get that far since 'Aiea in 2001. The Rams have one of the best post players in the state with 6-foot freshman center Ta Nitra Byrd, who is coming off a 12-point, 10-rebound, three-steal performance in a 43-32 loss to Roosevelt in the OIA finals Friday. Marlena Malepeai (5-7, G, Jr.) provides an outside threat, and fellow guards Kiara Dykes (5-6, Sr.) and Brittini Fuller (5-4, Jr.) are capable playmakers. Forward Chelsea-Ann Villanueva (5-9, Jr.) serves as nice complement to Byrd inside. Reserve guard Bui Baravilala (5-6, So.) is an exciting scorer and had a team-high 12 points in a 39-38 semifinal victory over Kalani.

ROOSEVELT

COACH: Bobby Keanini

RECORD: 14-1

BERTH: OIA champion

NOTABLE: The Rough Riders are the defending state runner-up and two-time OIA champion, but are still young with only one senior on the roster. Junior wing Iwalani Rodrigues (5-9) is one of the state's top all-around players and is coming off a 22-point, 10-rebound, three-block and three-steal performance against Radford in the OIA championship game. Point guard Dianna Zane (5-3) is a poised playmaker, solid shooter and a tough rebounder. Junior guard Tiana Sugui (5-4) is recovering from a sprained right ankle suffered against Farrington in the OIA semifinals last Wednesday and is scheduled to be available for the tournament. Sophomore forward Tasia Kamakawiwo'ole (5-9) can produce inside scoring with her left-handed shots. Forwards Shandree Armstead (5-7, Sr.) and Kaui Kuehu (5-6, Fr.) are tough defenders and keep opponents honest inside, while guards Tiyana Nakasone (5-5, Jr.) and Jayna Tasaka (5-1, Jr.) can sting opponents from the perimeter.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.