Kaimuki beats University

There really is no reason for the Kaimuki Bulldogs to have a case of the hound dog blues.

Even with six wins to open nonconference play, including the title of the Puma Black and Gold Tournament, coach Kelly Grant was stumped. Surely, he was happy after another week of victories. After all, the Bulldogs swept Farrington, Saint Louis and University High.

"I can't think of anything," he said. "But I didn't like that the kids didn't get up for a championship game right after we had a tough game (against Saint Louis)."

Beau Albrechtson scored 22 points on 9-for-13 shooting and pulled down 11 rebounds in a 49-44 win yesterday over University. Daniel Madamba added 10 points. Albrechtson's interior scoring balanced the floor for the guard-heavy 'Dogs, who played without a key cog. Post player Keone Reyes was busy with the HUB Goodwill Senior Bowl last night.

Dylan Gomez and Noah Chong-Viernes led the Junior Rainbows with nine points each. The Junior 'Bows had wins over McKinley and Waipahu before meeting Kaimuki in the finals.

Kaimuki, coming off last year's runner-up finish in the state championships, was challenged all game long by the Division II Junior 'Bows. They used a tough man-to-man defense, including some traps, to keep University off balance.

After a while, Grant found some solace in his reserves.

"Some of our role players are playing good defense on the top," he said, referring to Craig Cabudol.

Returning guard Daniel Colon, who had eight points in the tourney final, was an ironman.

"Daniel hit clutch shots the whole tournament. He rested 2 minutes in three games," Grant said. "He knows that's how it's going to be this season."

The 'Dogs relied on depth last season, using as many as 10 players in their rotation. It's different this year.

"We don't have any scrimmages at practice. If Daniel or Beau or Keone get hurt, how smart is that? So we don't go fullcourt unless it's a game," Grant said.

Saint Louis, which lost to Kaimuki 52-47 in Friday's semifinal, looked rather sharp despite having no games until Thursday's tourney opener. The Crusaders have a posse of quick, smart guards, and swingman Cole Shidaki is a key component with his mid-range game and defensive anticipation.

Scott Smith, their 6-foot-6 senior, has been absent due to practice for the Senior Bowl. However, that has allowed coach Delbert Tengan to play newcomer Siunipa Fiefia Jr. in the low post. The California transfer is listed at 6-8, but looks more like 6-6. Either way, at 260 pounds -- he wears size 19 shoes -- he is a huge addition with soft, quick hands and a tremendous wingspan. He also plays smarter than his age; "Junior" is only a sophomore.

Buffanblu capture Alegre: At Radford High, Punahou avenged last week's loss to Kalaheo by edging the Mustangs 58-54 yesterday to win in the final of the James Alegre Invitational.

The Buffanblu, playing without Senior Bowl participant Miah Ostrowski, used fullcourt pressure to stifle Kalaheo. The Mustangs won last week, 46-41, in the final of the Pete Smith Classic. This time, the Buffanblu got strong performances from Kameron Steinhoff, who hit a pair of third-quarter treys, and guard Dalton Hilliard.

Spencer McLachlin has been perhaps the most impressive player thus far, however, after amassing 26 points and 11 boards in a semifinal win over host Radford. He managed only four points in the final. Hilliard and Steinhoff stepped up with 16 points each.

McLachlin has found his role in new coach Dan Hale's offense to be comfortable. Punahou has used him liberally on the high post, and McLachlin has put his medium-range scoring skills and deft passing touch to work.

Punahou also put a lid on Kalaheo's Cheyenne Lishman for a half. He had nine points before halftime, but finished with a game-high 30. The 6-1 junior poured in 27 points, including 6-for-11 shooting from 3-point range, in a 69-59 semifinal win over Kamehameha.

Still, Kalaheo is one of the most intriguing teams in the state thanks to good overall height and surprisingly efficient passing. Chase Moses, a 6-2 senior, has handled much of the ball-handling duties and fared well against teams that apply less fullcourt pressure.