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Prep Beat
Kaimi Guerreiro can jump and hit, set and pass. He can do anything on the volleyball court. Mustangs look to
move up in OIA
boys volleyballBy Tim Crouse
Special to the Star-BulletinNow he will try to help the Kalaheo boys' volleyball team reach a goal that has eluded them -- an Oahu Interscholastic Association championship.
The OIA season starts tonight with all 10 East Division boys and girls teams in action, including a matchup of OIA boys' runner-up Kalaheo at Kaimuki.
Teams from the West Division swing into action Sept. 13.
"Kaimi is an incredible player," Kalaheo coach Mel Furtado said. "He has been the main reason why we've made appearances in the state tournament the past three years. He's a joy to watch."
In addition to his physical skills, Guerreiro also has a great sense for the game, Furtado said.
Senior Corey Tiederman, who joined the team as a freshman with Guerreiro, returns after missing last season. He'll play outside or opposite hitter.
Junior setter Michael Chong also returns. Last season was his first year of really having a chance to play and Furtado said he made great improvements, and played very well in the state tournament.
Ikaika Francis, Nate Jenkins and Justin Pedrinas will also contribute.
Pearl City lost some senior leadership from last season's OIA championship team that advanced to the state quarterfinals, but coach Reid Shigemasa expects his team to be in the thick of things.
Hitters Tyler Padayao and Dana Keleiohi and blocker Matthew Pascua lead the Chargers.
"Pearl City's defense is top-notch," Furtado said. "They have great ball control and have the ability to keep the ball alive."
Leilehua lost six seniors from a team that was unbeaten in West Division play last year.
"We lost our height, so we'll have to rely on our defensive backcourt this season," coach Ernest Balignasay said.
Middle/outside hitter Clint Torres Jr. and outside hitter Joshua Jumawan are the keys for the Mules.
Balignasay is pleased with his team's progress. The Mules won the Bronze Division at the Longy Okamoto preseason tournament.
"We're a little ahead of where we expected to be," Balignasay said.
Farrington coach Erica Tumaneng said she hopes the Governors can make it to the playoffs, and then "take it from there."
Outside hitter Tala Sao and setter Henry Balient, both juniors, provide leadership for Farrington. Several football players will also see action on the volleyball court for the Governors.
Roosevelt coach Kaui Mendonca looks to a core group of seniors for on-court leadership, including setter Matt Hashimoto and middle blocker/outside hitter Josh Yoshimoto.
Mendonca said ball control and serving will be two of the most important elements for his team to focus on.
On the girls' side, Aiea will battle to take the crown away from Farrington.
Na Alii coach Blythe Yamamoto has a returning squad that includes a major part of Aiea's basketball team, including seniors Keesha Aldridge, Aritta Lane and Ashley Watanabe.
Yamamoto said she thinks it's an advantage because the players spend more time together and have more opportunity to play together as a team. Senior setter Jacelyn Reyes and hitter Joelle Sugai also start for Aiea.
Farrington coach Jenic Tumaneng said this is one of Aiea's tallest and most athletic teams.
The Governors are the defending champions, but lost their heart and soul -- Robynn Afe -- to graduation.
"We felt her absence early on," Jenic Tumaneng said. "She played such an important role pushing them to do their best but some girls have stepped out of their shells and taken leadership roles."
Farrington has 11 returnees, including four starters. Outside hitters Kahikai Kaahanu'i and Holly Yamada provide senior leadership.
"We set some goals, which included qualifying for the playoffs and getting another chance at states," Tumaneng said.
Farrington lost to eventual champion Kamehameha in the quarterfinals.
All six Pearl City starters graduated, leaving coach Stephanie Shota with a young team.
"This is a hard-working team, but we lack experience," she said.
Setter/outside hitter Kelli Yuen and outside hitter Brandy Kele are impact players for Pearl City.