Friday, May 18, 2001

[ PREP BASKETBALL ]

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No easy games in girls
hoops tourney

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By Grace Wen
Star-Bulletin

This is "Survivor.'' Played out on the basketball court.

A pared-down field -- from 12 to eight teams and no consolation contests -- means every game in the Hawaiian Airlines State Girls Basketball Tournament should be a tough one.

Three teams have perfect records (Kalaheo, Baldwin and Honokaa), while two (Punahou and Aiea) have lost just once.

"The reason why it's called a state tournament is that you've got the best teams there," said Chico Furtado, coach of the second-seeded Mustangs. "Obviously there are some better than others. But every year, there's two, three, four teams that could win it. This year's not any different.

"Aiea faces Baldwin first and may face Punahou in the semis. Roosevelt, you have to watch. They played Punahou tough in the preseason. They can shoot the lights out when they have to. It's whoever is playing well and whoever gets lucky sometimes."

With 21 state titles, history favors the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, represented by champion Punahou and Iolani, which eliminated two-time defending state champion Kamehameha in the ILH Tournament.

The Oahu Interscholastic Association may have its best chance of winning in 18 years, led by Kalaheo, last year's runner-up. The Mustangs are looking at a sweep of the state basketball titles this year; their boys team won in March.

The OIA's lone banner came in 1983, when Harry Kahuanui -- father of Punahou coach Shelley Fey -- led Kahuku to the championship.

No school from Kauai or Maui has ever won the tourney, while Waiakea claimed the Big Island's only championships with back-to-back titles in 1985 and 1986.

The quarterfinals feature Kalaheo against Waimea at 7 tonight at McKinley High School. Honokaa vs. Iolani will follow.

At Kekuhaupio Gym, Punahou takes on Roosevelt at 7 p.m. with Baldwin squaring off against Aiea at 8:30 p.m.

Tomorrow's semifinals and Monday night's championship game will be played at the Stan Sheriff Center.

A look at the teams in this year's tournament:

1. Punahou Buffanblu

Record: 12-1, Interscholastic League of Honolulu champion
Coach: Shelley Fey
State titles: 6 (1979, '80, '81, '94, '97, '98)
State tournament appearances (last): 14 (2000)

It's pick your poison with the Buffanblu. Guards Milia Macfarlane, Elyse Umeda and Rachel Kane can light it up from outside, while the front-court combo of Becky Hogue and Caroline Ane rarely miss inside the paint.

2. Kalaheo Mustangs

Record: 13-0, Oahu Interscholastic Association champion
Coach: Chico Furtado
State titles: None
State tournament appearances (last): 7 (2000)

Brandy Richardson looks to complete her illustrious high-school career with the only accolade that has escaped her, a state championship. The Mustangs have finished second in the state twice and third once during Richardson's reign.

3. Honokaa Dragons

Record: 7-0, Big Island Interscholastic Federation champion
Coach: Daphne Honma
State titles: None
State tournament appearances (last): 9 (2000)

Team chemistry brought Honokaa to the tournament. Myrna Ordonev distributes the ball for the Dragons and plays solid defense while Erika Tadio is the main offensive weapon.

4. Baldwin Bears

Record: 11-0, Maui Interscholastic League champion
Coach: Angel Kalehuawehe
State titles: None
State tournament appearances (last): 8 (1998)

Guard play is Baldwin's strength. Top scorer Nicole Garbin and freshman Kami Kapuku handle the ball. The Bears run a stifling full-court press that forces enough turnovers to create offense.

Aiea Na Alii

Record: 11-1, OIA runner-up
Coach: Fran Villarmia-Kahawai
State titles: None
State tournament appearances (last): 3 (1999)

Aritta Lane and Keesha Aldridge may make Aiea's frontcourt the best in the state. Kylee Nakamura provides a 3-point shooting threat, while Joelle Sugai is a defensive demon.

Iolani Raiders

Record: 11-4, ILH second place
Coach: Glenn Takara
State titles: 4 (1987, '89, '95, '96)
State tournament appearances (last): 9 (1996)

Guards Monica Tokoro and Trisha Nishimoto lead the Raider attack with their ability to penetrate, distribute and hit long-range jumpers.

Roosevelt Rough Riders

Record: 9-4, OIA third place
Coach: Bobby Keanini
State titles: None
State tournament appearances: 7 (1995)

The Rough Riders' hopes rest on a solid senior class led by guards Jodi Nakashima, one of the state's premier 3-point shooters, and Megan Fong.

Waimea Menehunes

Record: 4-2, Kauai Interscholastic Federation champion
Coach: Elton Montemayer
State titles: None
State tournament appearances (last): 6 (1994)

The aggressiveness and leadership of senior Robyn Manuel helped get the Menehunes to the state tournament. First-year coach Montemayer said that Manuel carried the team in just about every aspect of the game. Look for Melody Manuel to be a surprise scoring threat.