High School Beat
Star-Bulletin staff
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Iolani's basketball dynasty to have a different look this year
A new boys basketball season is under way, and this time around, the Iolani Raiders are not the clear favorite to win a sixth consecutive state title.
The Raiders won their fifth last year despite early-season struggles that prompted an emphasis on an up-tempo game. Noted for their deliberate approach, adjustments are what Dr. Mark Mugiishi and his veteran staff made many a time during Iolani's dynasty, and they came in handy during a 23-8 title campaign.
This year, six of the Star-Bulletin's Fab 15 All-State selections return to their respective teams. None of them are from Iolani, which lost versatile Kawika Shoji to graduation.
The Raiders opened their nonconference slate on Saturday with a 56-55 overtime loss to Moanalua. The Menehunes, who came within one win of qualifying for last year's state tourney, were led by senior guard Stevie Austin and Casey Schuler. Each scored 14 points.
Liloa Nobriga, last year's standout freshman, led Iolani with 18 points. Case Miyahara added 14 for an otherwise inexperienced crew. Returnees Ryan Dung, Kela Marciel and Lionel Fujioka did not play due to the football team's state-tourney game against King Kekaulike.
"Their top two guards were out, and the third one is a key player, too," Moanalua coach Greg Tacon said. "It wasn't the prettiest game, but the intensity level is still high. Iolani is still the team to beat."
For Mugiishi, this may be his favorite time of year, aside from the state tourney. The doctor gets to experiment.
"This year is totally different. We're really small and there's no real inside game," he said. "We'll try to capitalize on our speed. We're gonna look totally different on offense."
The Raiders will still use a trapping, swarming defense to confuse opponents. However, their offense has always utilized motion and screens. Shoji, at 6-foot-4, gave Iolani a perfect hub to run the offense through.
"We're tweaking it," Mugiishi said, "to fit our strengths."
For Tacon, an early matchup with an old friend, Mugiishi, could become an annual event. Or perhaps the two could meet again a bit sooner.
"I told our team, we need to keep things in perspective," Tacon said. "If we ever get the opportunity to play the Raiders again, that means we're having a pretty good season."
For now, the former Punahou coach is looking forward to the Pete Smith Invitational Tournament. The eight-team tourney begins tomorrow at Kalaheo.
Host Kalaheo meets Strathcona (Canada) at 3:30 p.m., followed by Moanalua vs. Maryknoll at 5, Punahou vs. Pearl City at 6:30, and Roosevelt vs. Kamehameha at 8.
Close call:
The Baldwin Bears came within 5 seconds of qualifying for the state football tournament title game. A twist of fate left them wondering how it slipped away. Coach
Jimmy Morimoto won't let his squad dwell on the 22-20 loss to Kahuku for long.
"Last year, our slogan was '21-7,' " he said, a reference to 21 penalties and seven turnovers in a 2005 state-tourney loss. "I think our new slogan is going to be '5 seconds.' "
Morimoto was an assistant coach for Baldwin in 1995 when Kahuku came up with a last-minute win over Baldwin in an early-season game at the Red Raiders' field.
"We fumbled the ball at their 1-yard line. They marched down, scored and went ahead," the longtime defensive coordinator said.
His current Bears suffered a more painful wound that will take time to heal.
"They're taking it pretty hard. We're rallying the kids, picking 'em up," he said.
Goodwill to man:
The Hawaii Union Builders Goodwill Senior Bowl kicks off on Dec. 9 at Kamehameha's Kunuiakea Stadium.
The event, in its 16th year, features the top senior football players from the Interscholastic League of Honolulu and Oahu Interscholastic Association.
The teams began practice on Monday. Kamehameha's Kanani Souza is head coach of the West squad, and Castle's Nelson Maeda is head coach of the East.
Kickoff for the game is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($5) are available at the Aloha Stadium box office. Children 6 and under will be admitted free.
Powerful Monarchy:
Sione Tau's oral commitment to play football at Arizona adds to the already impressive output of Division I student-athletes from Damien Memorial School.
Current Damien graduates now at the D-I level include Mike Sipili, who started for Colorado against Nebraska, Keoni Steinhoff, who is at Hawaii, and Mana Mikaele at Arizona.
Eddie Williams, last year's starting center for the Monarchs, is grayshirting at UH. Last year's Star-Bulletin offensive player of the year Kealoha Pilares is also expected to suit up for UH next season.
In addition, there are a number of Monarchs at I-AA St. Francis (Pa.) and Fresno City Community College. Former lineman Garyk Ontai is playing at Colorado School of Mines.
"I'm happy for these guys," coach Dean Nakagawa said.
Athlete of the Week
Justyn Jumawan-Perreira, Kauai football: returned two interceptions for touchdowns as the Red Raiders defeated Waipahu 17-6 in the semifinals of the Division II state championships.
Honor Roll
BASKETBALL
Stevie Austin, Moanalua: scored 14 points against Iolani.
Liloa Nobriga, Iolani: scored 18 points against Moanalua.
Case Miyahara, Iolani: scored 14 points against Moanalua.
Casey Schuler, Moanalua: scored 14 points against Iolani.
FOOTBALL
Lehi Aumua, Kahuku: rushed for 100 yards on 19 attempts in the Red Raiders' 22-20 win over Baldwin in the Division I state championship semifinals.
Solomona Aigamaua, Saint Louis: The defensive end had a team-high four solo tackles in the Crusaders' 10-7 win over Waianae in the Division I state championship semifinals.
Jacob Barit, Saint Louis: The middle linebacker returned an interception for a touchdown against Waianae.
Michael Douglas, King Kekaulike: rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns on 25 attempts in Na Alii's Division II semifinal win over Iolani.
Ryan Dung, Iolani: threw for 308 yards on 23-for-42 passing against King Kekaulike.
David Kaanana, Baldwin: tallied 10 tackles against Kahuku.
Kyle Kaimiola-Kaaihue, Baldwin: amassed a team-high 12 tackles against Kahuku.
Shannon Kamakaokalani, King Kekaulike: rushed for 140 yards on 19 carries against Iolani.
Junior Mataafa, Kahuku: rushed for 112 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown, on just nine carries against Baldwin.
Chase Nakamura, Baldwin: caught five passes for 100 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown, against Kahuku.
David Paaluhi, Waianae: had a team-high six tackles against Saint Louis.
Darren Satta, Kauai: had nine tackles against Waipahu.
BACK IN THE DAY
1999
» In the inaugural HHSAA state football semifinals, Kahuku beat Baldwin 27-12 and St. Louis defeated Waimea 56-0. The Crusaders went on to beat the Red Raiders in the final, 19-0.
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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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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