Everyone has a favorite thing.
In the all-new boys basketball White Conference of the Oahu Interscholastic Association, colors are nothing more than a label, for the most part.
Teams like Kaiser and Thompson, even McKinley and Waipahu, have beaten plenty of Division I foes in the past month. Starting tomorrow, however, nothing from the past matters.
Farrington Governors
Coach: Allan Silva
On paper: Charles Rocha, Jarett Gabriel, Cody Hua, Christian Fernandez and leading scorer Rey Bartian have given the Govs a multitude of weapons. The Govs have pulled off wins over D-I Roosevelt, Kapolei and Campbell, but a 14-point loss to White rival McKinley was a stunner.
The skinny: Silva's positive-thinking approach is working with a once-proud program.
X factor: Hua, a center, has the size and skill to become a force in the White.
Kaiser Cougars
Coach: Shawn Nagata
On paper: Coaches are calling Kaiser the heavy favorite in the White for good reason. Andrew Wingert, Rayce Chun-Ming and Jake Esteban are a good core, but they have more. Saint Louis transfer Kalua Noa teams with Chun-Ming to give the Cougars a pair of 6-2 low-post threats.
The skinny: If the Cougars take care of the ball and hit free throws, they can compete with anyone in the state, even top Division I schools.
X factor: Good guard play is vital for a team stocked with front-court talent.
Kalani Falcons
Coach: Richard Miyasaka
On paper: Holu Kaaihue, Jeff Khautakoun and Daniel Morisato are seniors with experience. The Falcons have struggled through nonconference play so far.
The skinny: "We have to play inspired and flawless ball," Miyasaka said. "We don't have that size and athleticism to make up for mistakes."
X factor: The Falcons haven't put together a good game on both ends of the floor, Miyasaka said. When that happens, the Falcons could start to soar.
McKinley Tigers
Coach: Bob Morikuni
On paper: Nainoa Lessary has been a source of consistent offense, both from the perimeter and with penetration. Tilton Kaluna, Earvin Sione, Oliver Diguc and Jonathan Lee are key contributors.
The skinny: The Tigers have stepped up their game since early-December struggles. They've knocked off several D-I teams despite the lack of a dominant post player.
X factor: First-year player Rey Vincent Enanoria. "He needs to come off the bench and score," Morikuni said. "And back up whatever position we need."
Nanakuli Golden Hawks
Coach: Gerald Lum
On paper: The Golden Hawks nearly beat rival Waialua last week. They're athletic, but raw. Tyrone Cross has been a double-digit scorer.
The skinny: The Hawks lost two players to injury last week, and had already lost their starting center and point guard.
X factor: How quickly will Lum's youngsters adjust to varsity-level speed?
Thompson Sharks
Coach: Sol Batoon
On paper: The Sharks have five players listed at 6-2 or taller, including 6-3 guard Tristan Sealy. He averaged nearly 30 points per game at the Merv Lopes Classic.
The skinny: Beyond their starting unit, the Sharks remain very young and inexperienced. That showed in a loss to Mililani when they blew a 15-point lead.
X factor: Sealy is a tough penetrator and finisher, but he will be targeted by opposing defenses. Who will step up?
Waialua Bulldogs
Coach: Virgilio Basilio
On paper: The Bulldogs have a nice mix of speed and size, with three players between 6-2 and 6-4. Brian Graziano has averaged 16 points per game in Waialua's last three games.
The skinny: This is another season where the Bulldogs are on the cusp of a possible state berth.
X factor: Caleb Fore's athleticism and size (6-0) will be valuable.
Waianae Seariders
Coach: John Simbahon
On paper: Jesse Lafua has been prolific for the Seariders.
The skinny: Waianae has beaten Roosevelt, but the Seariders also have losses to Mid-Pacific and Maryknoll. Simbahon was a longtime assistant to former coach Kendall Maeda.
X factor: If Lafua gets more help, Waianae could make a run for a playoff berth.
Waipahu Marauders
Coach: Abe Villanueva
On paper: Jasper Leano is a cat-quick guard, and Robert Donley (6-1) is a versatile swingman. The Marauders have enough talent and chemistry to challenge for the White crown.
The skinny: They've beaten D-I teams and hung tough with University and Mid-Pacific.
X factor: Athleticism should help Waipahu defensively on nights when the shots aren't falling.