High School Beat
Star-Bulletin staff
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Punahou struck by good and bad news
The Buffanblu showcase running back Te'o, but lose wide receiver Ostrowski to an injury
The news for Punahou football fans is both good and not-so-good.
Manti Te'o, who transferred back from Kahuku in the offseason, triggered a tenacious Buffanblu defense as a linebacker.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound sophomore also ran for a pair of 6-yard touchdowns, showcasing the running skills that made him a prolific back for Kahuku's junior varsity team last season.
Miah Ostrowski, Punahou's Star-Bulletin All-State receiver, sustained a high ankle sprain in the second quarter and did not return. The senior had five receptions for 76 yards before the injury.
Eastlake, ranked third in Washington by the Seattle Times, plays in the state's 4-A division, the top classification. SeattlePreps.com had ranked Eastlake No. 1 statewide.
Hawaii High School Athletic Association executive director Keith Amemiya helped organizers in Seattle put the five-game Emerald City Football Classic together. The Punahou graduate enjoyed the weekend festivities heartily.
"What was neat was that it was a Hawaii event, not just Punahou. There were people in the stands with Kamehameha and Kahuku shirts on," he said. "On the mainland, it's a Hawaii thing. For the team to play at Qwest Field, it was a chance of a lifetime."
Punahou fans also enjoyed the postgame luau, which drew more than 800 people.
Travels of Daniel:
The last time
Keoni Daniel drew attention locally, he was pumping baskets in as a sophomore at Academy of the Pacific.
The talented guard found a way to improve his game over the summer, but he did it 5,000 miles away.
The personable hoopster, who lost his mother to cancer a few years ago, went to North Carolina to train all summer long. From there, he went to Pittsburgh with family friend and trainer Bershuan Thompson, where he competed at a basketball camp.
Daniel was just a number when he got there, relegated to the lowest tier of classification.
"He felt bad. They rated him low at first," grandfather John Daniel said. "He called me back the next day. He said, 'Papa, they moved me up to the top (group) rating.'
"His mother would've been so proud."
The 5-10 junior has been a fixture and a standout for the Dolphins basketball program. Coach Bob Hogue has openly and privately supported the possibility of Daniel transferring to a Division I school in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu.
Because AOP is in the D-II category, Daniel would not have to sit out a season, while student-athletes who transfer between D-I programs are required to.
Hogue and the Dolphins would love to see Daniel stay with the small Alewa Heights school, where he turned his academics and his outlook around.
If he leaves, it won't be a shock, however.
When he was lighting up the scoreboard as an intermediate player, coaches and supporters of the league's powerhouses instantly took notice.
One of those schools was Iolani, which is the school Daniel is currently engrossed with.
"He really wants to play for Iolani," John Daniel said. "That is his utmost desire."
Iolani has won the last five state championships.
Kamehameha University:
No, Bishop Estate is not about to open a four-year college on the hill, but if it did, fielding a national title contender in girls volleyball would be a possibility.
This year's Warrior girls include at least five players who are getting contact from universities. Senior Logan Keala, a reserve outside hitter/opposite, is about to go on an East Coast trip to visit Rutgers, NYU, Fordham and Colgate. Senior Kea Kea has the interest of Pepperdine, while juniors Kanani Herring, Bekah Torres and Jordan Meredith are getting mail all the time, coach Chris Blake said.
Kamehameha is the defending state champion.
Rah:
With the game scoreless midway through the final quarter, Kamehameha took possession at midfield against a stellar Farrington defense.
This wasn't just another football game. It was for pride between two historically outstanding football programs, one representing a public-school league, the other a behemoth from the private-school league. The intensity on the field stepped up, and as Kahuku Ka'ai barked his signals, a Farrington defensive player yelled, "Rah!"
He was flagged, apparently for yelling more than just that one-syllable word. Kamehameha picked up 15 valuable yards of real estate and went on to score the go-ahead touchdown in a 7-6 win.
The question is, what exactly happened at midfield of Kunuiakea Stadium.
Farrington coach Randall Okimoto didn't ask for sympathy, but he did question his player.
"When I spoke to him," Okimoto said, "he did say he tried to scare the opponent by saying, 'Rah.' But, when asked if he barked any cadence calls, he said 'No.' All he said was 'Rah.' "
Mighty mites:
No disrespect intended, but after years of success despite a lack of hulking players, Iolani and Castle showed their mettle over the weekend once again.
Iolani broke open a tight game against Moanalua for a 26-7 win. The Raiders played at virtually the same speed at the end that they did at the start of the 2 p.m. kickoff.
"We pride ourselves on being in great physical condition," longtime coach Wendall Look said.
His quarterbacks, Ryan Dung and Kela Marciel, kept the offense in no-huddle mode, and that took a toll in the blazing sun.
"Kela added a spark. They bring different things to the table. They'll complement each other well," Look said.
Castle, meanwhile, pushed No. 3 Saint Louis to the edge before falling in the final 3 minutes, 17-13.
"Saint Louis made the plays when they needed them," Knights coach Nelson Maeda said. "It was very disappointing for us to lose it in the final minutes. Our defense played a great first half, but came out somewhat flat in the second half."
Maeda sees more potential in his offense once the quarterback position is settled. Still, the Knights' ability to stay on par with a bigger team remains noteworthy.
"The program's confidence level is such that the returnees impart upon the newcomers the same confidence that they can compete with any opponent in spite of our apparent lack of size," Maeda said. "For us to compete for the playoffs, it starts with structured offseason team training in February."
Athletes of the Week
GIRLS
Kristina Acosta,
Kaimuki air riflery: Shot a 254 to lead the Bulldogs over Kalaheo.
BOYS
Manti Te'o,
Punahou football: The sophomore linebacker sparked the defense and ran for two fourth-quarter touchdowns as a running back to lift the Buffanblu over Eastlake, the third-ranked team in Washington state.
Honor Roll
FOOTBALL
James Bower,
Kaimuki: Hauled in six passes for 95 yards in a win at Kaiser.
Aldodius Colquitt, Aiea: Caught four passes for 104 yards, including two 6-yard touchdowns, as Na Alii edged Campbell.
Alan Fonoti, Aiea: Had 96 yards on seven receptions in Aiea's victory.
Taylor Hibbs, Kamehameha: Made three of his team's 10 sacks in a 7-6 win over Farrington.
Alfredo Higa, Aiea: Went 22-for-34 for 318 yards in a win at Campbell.
Brett Kan, Punahou: Went 17-for-22 for 211 yards in a win over Eastlake (Wash.) at Qwest Field in Seattle.
Andrew Noga, Farrington: Had three sacks in a loss at Kamehameha.
Ke'o Palimo'o, Waipahu: Rushed for 179 yards on 16 attempts, including touchdowns of 2 and 21 yards in a win over Roosevelt.
Colten Quinabo, Baldwin: Caught five passes for 128 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown, as the Bears downed Kamehameha-Maui.
Jamie Rivera, Pac-Five: Rushed for 124 yards on 15 carries, including touchdowns of 17 and 40 yards, in a win over Kalaheo.
Kamaki Sherman, Anuenue: Caught four passes for 141 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown in a loss to Waialua.
Gabe Tuata, Kealakehe: Scored five touchdowns in a 69-0 win over Ka'u -- on runs of 1 and 26 yards, punt returns of 57 and 58 yards, and a 48-yard pass.
BOWLING
Micah Kamiyama,
Kalani: Rolled a 232 high game and 647 series to lead the Falcons over Farrington.
AIR RIFLERY
LeLan Aranaydo,
Pearl City: Scored a 254 as the Chargers defeated Waianae.
Jolana Gollero, Pearl City: Shot a 251 as the Chargers topped Waianae.
John Rosales, Leilehua: Shot a 251 as the Mules edged Kapolei.
TO NOMINATE ...
Contact the Star-Bulletin by 11 p.m. Sunday:
Phone: 529-4782
Fax: 529-4787
E-mail: sports@starbulletin.com
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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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