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Prep Beat

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Tuesday, February 15, 2000

Mililani coach recovering

By Dave Reardon
Star-Bulletin

Mililani girls' soccer coach James Uson underwent successful surgery to remove a benign brain tumor yesterday, and is recovering, his brother John said last night.

John Uson also said James will not be able to coach the Trojans as they begin play in the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Girls' State Soccer Championships tomorrow.

John Uson, James' assistant coach, will take over the team in his absence.

"In a sense, it's kind of difficult, since he's definitely the team leader. But the girls have been pretty good about it," John Uson said. "One thing that helps is our coaching styles are similar. We both stress ball-control."

John Uson said the team is dedicating the tournament to James Uson, and that it will meet today to decide in what manner it will do so.

Mililani (11-1-1), of the Oahu Interscholastic Association, meets Kealakehe (9-4) from the Big Island at 5:30 p.m. in one of four first-round games at Aloha Stadium tomorrow.

Kapaa (9-0), of Kauai, and Castle (8-3-1), of the OIA, open the tournament at 1:30 p.m. Waiakea (9-2) from the BIIF meets the OIA's Aiea (9-4-1) at 3:30 p.m., and Pearl City (11-2-1) of the OIA takes on Maui (8-3-1) at 7:30 p.m.

The winners play seeded teams on Thursday; they are No. 1 Kamehameha (9-1-2) from the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, No. 2 Moanalua (11-1-1) of the OIA, No. 3 Baldwin (12-0) from Maui and No. 4 Hawaii Prep (12-0) of the Big Island.

Defending champion Iolani did not make the tournament despite an 8-2-2 record in the tough ILH.

Kamehameha has won three state championships, two under current coach Michelle Nagamine (1995 and '96).

"We've got a very good mix of players. With no one go-to player, it makes it easier," she said.

The Warriors start five seniors: Robyn deHay, Jenny deHay, Chelsea Montero, Moani Lau and Kaula Rowe.

Mid-Pacific wins ILH Div. II

Ricky Bauer scored 15 points, including the game winning basket at the buzzer, to lead Mid-Pacific over Hawaii Baptist Academy, 34-32, for the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's Division II basketball title.

The Owls will be the Division II representative in the ILH basketball tournament.