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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Girls state tourney tips off

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Punahou's Shawna-Lei Kuehu, a 5-foot-10 senior post, is considered one of the greatest players to come out of Hawai'i.

JOAQUIN SIOPACK | The Honolulu Advertiser

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The first-ever winter Hawaiian Airlines/Hawai'i High School Athletic Association Division I Girls Basketball State Championships could feature some blockbuster games in the first two rounds.

The 12-team tournament tips off tonight with four first-round games at two sites, including Radford vs. Roosevelt in a rematch of the O'ahu Interscholastic Association semifinal showdown won by Radford, 36-31, last Wednesday.

The rematch is set for 8 o'clock at Farrington, preceded by defending state champion Konawaena vs. Moanalua at 6.

At Kaimuki, it will be Farrington vs. Maui at 6, followed by 'Aiea vs. 'Iolani at 8. Those two games will be televised live statewide on OC16.

No. 1 seed and Interscholastic League of Honolulu champion Punahou, No. 2 seed and Big Island Interscholastic Federation champ Waiakea, No. 3 seed and OIA champion Kalani and No. 4 seed and Maui Interscholastic League champ Lahainaluna each received a first-round bye and will begin play in tomorrow's quarterfinals.

If 'Iolani should defeat 'Aiea tonight, that would set up a huge quarterfinal showdown with Kalani. 'Iolani and Kalani are ranked No. 2 and No. 4, respectively, in The Advertiser's statewide Top 10 poll of coaches and media.

The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played at Farrington and Kaimuki, with the championship set for 8 p.m. Friday at Stan Sheriff Center.

After 30 years of being played in the spring, the tournament is being held in the winter for the first time. The HHSAA executive board voted last May to move the Hawai'i girls basketball season from the spring to winter, in alignment with the other 49 states.

Here is a closer look at all 12 teams (records are for regular and postseason only):

'AIEA

COACH: Mike Yen

RECORD: 9-6 (OIA fourth place)

NOTABLE: Na Ali'i surprisingly broke through the league quarterfinals after junior guard Natasha Helsham (5-8) sank four free throws (on a foul and technical) with three seconds remaining to knock off Farrington. But they got blitzed by Kalani in the semifinals and fell to Roosevelt, 47-40, in the third-place game. 'Aiea struggled from the free-throw line (a combined 15 for 36 — 42 percent) in both losses. Senior forward/center Capri Holiona (5-7) scored 20 points in the Roosevelt defeat.

FARRINGTON

COACH: Caroline Tatupu

RECORD: 11-4 (OIA fifth place)

NOTABLE: Returning starters Valerie Lesu (5-5, f, Jr.) and Natalie Mata (5-4, g, Jr.) have combined with newcomers Janell Nance (6-1, c, So.) and Brydgette Tatupu-Leopoldo (5-8, g/f, Fr.) to form a solid lineup. The Governors were upset by 'Aiea in the league quarterfinals but bounced back with victories over Kahuku and 'Aiea to claim fifth place.

'IOLANI

COACH: Glenn Takara

RECORD: 12-2 (ILH runner-up)

NOTABLE: The Raiders are led by 6-foot senior center Jamie Smith, who is capping off a brilliant four-year career with a dominant season. Smith averaged 20.2 points per game in the regular and postseason, including totals of 17 vs. Sacred Hearts and 22 against Kamehameha while playing with a broken nose. She has expanded her game to include perimeter shooting, including from 3-point range, and has been a force on the boards. Senior guard Chanel Hirata (5-4) is another four-year letterman, and is one of the state's top 3-point shooters. Senior guards Kylie Ahlo (5-4), Dayna Jandoc (5-6) and Raechele Takara (5-4) and junior guard Tami Konishi (5-4) also bring experience and poise, and will contribute with scoring from mid-range. 'Iolani is extremely disciplined and patient on offense and will pass the ball around for 30-40 seconds if needed to take a quality shot.

KALANI

COACH: George Weeks

RECORD: 13-2 (OIA champion)

NOTABLE: The Falcons won their first OIA Division I championship under Weeks, a first-year coach. Senior Iwalani Rodrigues, a 5-9 All-State guard who transferred from Roosevelt last summer, is one of the state's best all-around talents and has signed to play for the University of Utah next season. She is very fluid and deceptively quick, and can dribble, shoot, pass, score, rebound and make plays on defense. Rodrigues is particularly dangerous in the open court and tough to stop one-on-one. She is complemented well by 6-foot senior posts Violet Alama and Rhianna Farm, both of whom have greatly improved since last season. Both have quick, fluid moves and a soft touch around the basket. Senior guard Chloe Martin (5-3) is a four-year letterman who can drain the 3-point shot. Kalani is disciplined and patient in its halfcourt sets and mixes up defenses often and well.

KONAWAENA

COACH: Bobbie Awa

RECORD: 11-3 (BIIF runner-up)

NOTABLE: The defending state champion Wildcats began the season with just seven active players and still only have nine on the roster. Center Mana Hopkins (5-9), the team's only senior, scored 26 points in last year's state title victory over Punahou and is their top scoring and rebounding threat. Junior guard Kara Hanato-Smith (5-4) also returns and is a dangerous 3-point shooter.

LAHAINALUNA

COACH: Ken Rickard

RECORD: 13-1 (MIL champion)

NOTABLE: The Lunas breezed through the MIL tournament, winning their semifinal and title games by 30-plus points each to capture their fourth straight league championship. Sophomore center Milika Taufa (5-10) can score, rebound and block shots. In addition to inside and outside strength, Lahainaluna also showed an ability to sink free throws, making 15 of 18 in the MIL finale.

MAUI

COACH: Gilbert Silva

RECORD: 9-5 (MIL runner-up)

NOTABLE: The Sabers dealt Lahainalua its only loss but suffered key injuries and fell hard in the MIL tournament championship game. Shakiyla Heslip (5-6) and Jazmine Corpuz (5-6) have provided scoring, and Maui was hoping for the return of senior Ariel Gaoiran (5-4).

MOANALUA

COACH: Kristie Morikawa

RECORD: 7-8 (OIA sixth place)

NOTABLE: Na Menehune fell to Farrington, 49-46, in overtime in the OIA's fifth-place game. Senior forward Britni Ronolo (5-9) can be a force, notching 31 points and 20 rebounds in a loss to Kahuku earlier in the season. Guards Hoku Dela Cruz (5-3, Jr.) and Qwineysha Wheeler (5-5, Sr.) help with scoring.

PUNAHOU

COACH: Mike Taylor

RECORD: 11-1 (ILH champion)

NOTABLE: The Buffanblu feature 5-10 senior post Shawna-Lei Kuehu, considered as one of the greatest players to come out of Hawai'i. Despite playing with a big brace after recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, Kuehu still was dominant this season, scoring mostly on impressive post moves and short jumpers. She has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of California next season. Her twin sister, Shaena-Lyn Kuehu (5-9), also is an NCAA Division I prospect and hustles relentlessly. She is capable of scoring 12-15 points but mainly contributes with steals and baskets in transition. Junior point guard Janelle Nomura (5-4) proved her worth when she was injured and missing from the lineup for about five weeks. Nomura is a good dribbler/shooter/defender and brings tremendous energy to the court. Senior guard Dara Tompkison (5-4) brings dribbling and tough defense, as does fellow guard Rebecca Lau (5-5), a junior. Junior Tressa Torres (5-9) contributes in the post. As usual, the Buffanblu play a fast, pressure-based pace and try to force turnovers to convert into easy baskets on the other end.

RADFORD

COACH: Tani Dutro

RECORD: 14-1 (OIA runner-up)

NOTABLE: Ta Nitra Byrd, a 6-foot- sophomore center, is one of the state's most dominant post players. If she gets the ball low in the block, it almost always results in either a basket or free-throw opportunity. Byrd also can run the floor and score in transition. The four other starters are steady role players who take care of the ball and contribute in their own ways. Seniors Marlena Malepeai (5-8, g) and Chelsea Villanueva (5-9, f) are four-year starters, and guard Brittni Fuller (5-4, Sr.) is a three-year starter. Malepeai will crash the boards and can hit the mid-range shot, and Fuller is deceptively quick and can cause havoc on defense.

ROOSEVELT

COACH: Bobby Keanini

RECORD: 11-4 (OIA third place)

NOTABLE: The Rough Riders have three veteran guards in seniors Dianna Zane (5-4), Tiana Sugui (5-5) and Tiyana Nakasone (5-5). All three can shoot and dribble. Zane — a three-year starter — especially can take over a game, either by penetrating for layups, dishing to teammates or draining 3-pointers. Post players Mikela Thoemmes (5-9) and Tasia Kamakawiwo'ole (5-9) have good inside moves and can contribute with scoring and rebounding in the paint.

WAIAKEA

COACH: Grant Kauhi

RECORD: 13-0 (BIIF champion)

NOTABLE: The Warriors unseated Konawaena as league champion with a convincing 65-48 victory on Feb. 10. They are led by sisters Kamie and Kirstie Imai. Kamie is a 5-8 sophomore who can dribble, score and rebound. Kirstie is a 5-4 senior who is a threat from 3-point range. Senior Kira DeMorales (5-9) helps with her athleticism and Jamielyn Moe (5-4) is another shooter.

• • •

GIRLS TOURNAMENT

High School Girls

Hawaiian Airlines/HHSAA Division I State Championships

Today

First Round

At Farrington

Konawaena (11-3) vs. Moanalua (7-8), 6 p.m.

Radford (14-1) vs. Roosevelt (11-4), 8 p.m.

At Kaimuki

Maui (9-5) vs. Farrington (11-4), 6 p.m.

'Iolani (12-2) vs. 'Aiea (9-6), 8 p.m.

Tomorrow

At Farrington

Consolation

Konawaena-Moanalua loser vs. Radford-Roosevelt loser, 4 p.m.

Quarterfinals

No. 4 Lahainaluna (12-1) vs. Radford-Roosevelt winner, 6 p.m.

No. 1 Punahou (11-1) vs. Konawaena-Moanalua winner, 8 p.m.

At Kaimuki

Consolation

Maui-Farrington loser vs. 'Iolani-'Aiea loser, 4 p.m.

Quarterfinals

No. 2 Waiakea (13-0) vs. Maui-Farrington winner, 6 p.m.

No. 3 Kalani (13-2) vs. 'Iolani-'Aiea winner, 8 p.m.

Thursday

At Farrington

Consolation semifinal, 6 p.m.

Championship semifinal, 8 p.m.

At Kaimuki

Consolation semifinal, 6 p.m.

Championship semifinal, 8 p.m.

Friday

At Farrington

Seventh place, 4 p.m.

At Stan Sheriff Center

Fifth place, 2:15 p.m.

Third place, 4 p.m.

Championship final, 8 p.m.

Hawaiian Airlines/HHSAA Division II State Championships

Today

First Round

At Kalani

Kapa'a (7-2) vs. St. Francis (8-3), 6 p.m.

University High (8-2) vs. Hawai'i Prep (6-8), 8 p.m.

At 'Aiea

Kailua (12-3) vs. Seabury Hall (10-3), 6 p.m.

Campbell (15-1) vs. Hanalani (9-4), 8 p.m.

Tomorrow

At Kalani

Consolation

Kapa'a-St. Francis loser vs. University High-Hawai'i Prep loser, 4 p.m.

Quarterfinals

No. 4 Moloka'i (12-1) vs. University High-Hawai'i Prep winner, 6 p.m.

No. 1 McKinley (14-1) vs. Kapa'a-St. Francis winner, 8 p.m.

At 'Aiea

Consolation

Kailua-Seabury Hall loser vs. Campbell-Hanalani loser, 4 p.m.

Quarterfinals

No. 2 Kamehameha-Hawai'i (10-3) vs. Campbell-Hanalani winner, 6 p.m.

No. 3 Maryknoll (10-0) vs. Kailua-Seabury Hall winner, 8 p.m.

Thursday

At Kalani

Consolation semifinal, 6 p.m.

Championship semifinal, 8 p.m.

At 'Aiea

Consolation semifinal, 6 p.m.

Championship semifinal, 8 p.m.

Friday

At Kalani

Seventh place, 4 p.m.

At Stan Sheriff Center

Fifth place, 10:45 a.m.

Third place, 12:30 p.m.

Championship final, 6 p.m..

ALSO THIS WEEK

SATURDAY

Precision Riflery

ILH

At Saint Louis

Individual championship, 8 a.m.

Swimming

HHSAA championships

At Maui, trials (Friday), finals (Saturday).

Wrestling

ILH Championship tournament

At Punahou

Boys and girls

Weigh-in 8:30 a.m.; start 10 a.m.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.