Wildcats get a Rush out of Dylan
The Konawaena senior is projected to play for UCLA next season
As the football season steers toward the state tournament, news about college prospects continue to mount.
Konawaena senior Dylan Rush (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) remains, for the most part, under the radar of most Hawaii high school fans.
Rush is projected to play defensive end at UCLA, though he hasn't been ruled out as a tight end either. Rush is a two-time state wrestling champion and also excels in track and field.
Konawaena has gotten plenty of mileage out of the youngster, using him as an H-back as well as tight end. For much of the season, the Wildcats running game was highly predictable; wherever Rush drifted, the play often followed him because of his blocking skills.
The emergence of sophomore quarterback Kawai Kanuha has opened up the Konawaena offense and makes the Wildcats a serious possibility as the Big Island Interscholastic Federation's Division II champion.
They'll have to win at Kamehameha-Hawaii, however, for Rush to show his skills at the state tourney.
Rush has 14 receptions and, despite wary offenses that stay away, an astounding 13 sacks.
In the weight room, he's not bad either.
A recent workout had him do five sets of five squats at 545 pounds, and another 5x5 set at 315.
Pretty respectable in the middle of football season.
Rush is also aiming to tip the scales at 245 pounds when wrestling season is underway.
The talented student-athlete committed to UCLA before football season began.
Kamehameha emerging: Iolani setter Kapua Kamana'o, younger sister of Rainbow Wahine setter Kanoe, has earned a reputation as the finest setter in the state, at least in the eyes of many coaches and watchers.
However, she isn't the only setting star in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu.
The emergence of Kealohilani Kea has made a major difference for Kamehameha, which earned a state-tournament berth by dethroning defending champion Punahou on Saturday.
Alexis Robins credited her team's consistent, poised setter following Saturday's big win.
"She is awesome," Robins said. "Through practices, she's been able to get the feel for our middles, the 3s and on the slides.
Robins, who had seven kills and three aces against Punahou, was reminded of a matchup with Punahou early in the season at the Hawaii Invitational. Punahou won that match in straight sets.
"We came such a long way from then to now," said Robins. "We've been through so many ups and downs that brought us closer together as a team."
Hana hou: The Hana Dragons girls volleyball team secured the Maui Interscholastic League's Division II title over the weekend, ending a title drought going back to 1978.
That nearly matches the stretch by Kapaa, which had not won a girls volleyball title since 1970.
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
BOYS
Elijah Filifili, Farrington football: Threw for 340 yards on 17-for-24 accuracy to lead the Governors in a playoff upset at Mililani.
GIRLS
Brandi Pupuhi, Roosevelt volleyball: Put down 16 kills as the Rough Riders rallied past Kalani in the Oahu Interscholastic Association semifinals.
HONOR ROLL
AIR RIFLERY
Heather Horn, Punahou: The defending state champion posted a 535 to win the ILH girls individual crown.
Robert Siko, Punahou: Scored 524 to win the ILH boys individual title.
BOWLING
Cory Gibo, Hawaii Baptist: Rolled a 627 series against Iolani.
FOOTBALL
Kody Adams, Iolani: Kicked field goals of 30 and 35 yards against Punahou.
Josh Blakemore, Aiea: Caught eight passes for 183 yards, including touchdowns of 35, 10, 47 and 35 yards against Castle.
Jacob Gibson, Kailua: Rushed for 140 yards on 20 carries and a TD against Waianae.
Brett Kan, Punahou: Completed 19 of 27 attempts for 206 yards and a touchdown against Iolani.
Kali Kuia, Aiea: Completed 25 of 41 passes for 358 yards and four TDs as Na Alii upset Castle.
Elijah Lesu, Farrington: Caught six passes for 168 yards, including touchdowns of 70 and 43 yards, against Mililani.
Stanford Leti, Moanalua: Rushed for 78 yards and passed for 78 more against Kaiser.
Lofa Liilii, Aiea: Rushed for 63 yards on 10 carries and caught seven passes for 66 more yards against Castle. Scored on runs of 9 and 2 yards, and also ran back a kickoff 98 yards for another TD.
Ikaika Mahoe, Kamehameha-Hawaii: Senior defensive lineman had eight tackles, including a sack, against Waiakea.
Travis Nishioka, Iolani: Caught seven passes for 133 yards, including a 65-yard TD, against Punahou.
Corey Paredes, Castle: Caught touchdown passes of 40 and 88 yards.
Michael Smith, Mililani: Caught two passes for 115 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown.
Malosi Te'o, Kahuku: Ran for 193 yards, including an 84-yard touchdown, on 13 attempts against Kapolei.
Bryson Ukauka, Castle: Passed for 231 yards and two TDs against Aiea.
VOLLEYBALL
Kanani Herring, Kamehameha: Had 10 kills against Punahou as the Warriors qualified for the state tournament.
Melia Iwamoto, Kalani: Pounded 12 kills against Roosevelt.
Liz Kaaihue, Punahou: Slammed 11 kills against Kamehameha.
James Kapahua, Farrington: Tallied 10 kills against Waialua.
Joshua Ligot, Farrington: Amassed 18 assists, eight kills and four blocks against Waialua.
Larissa Nordyke, Punahou: Nine kills against Kamehameha.
Kaina Palama, Roosevelt: Had nine kills against Mililani as the Rough Riders qualified for the state tournament.
Alexis Robins, Kamehameha: Seven kills and three aces against Punahou.
Eric Petersen, Radford: Seven kills to help the Rams defeat Castle for a state tournament berth.
To nominate ...
To nominate an athlete of the week, contact the Star-Bulletin Sports Department by 11 p.m. Sunday:
Phone: 529-4782
Fax: 529-4787
E-mail: sports@starbulletin.com
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