GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Kamehameha's Megan Ching is among the state's top players. The Warriors open their Interscholastic League of Honolulu season Thursday at 6:30 p.m. against University.
Part II of the Hawaii high school basketball season starts tomorrow. Kamehameha girls
in position to repeatBy Nick Abramo
nabramo@starbulletin.comThe boys wrapped up their season March 1. Now it's the girls' turn.
Defending state champion Kamehameha and rival Punahou are expected to duke it out in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu once again.
Both teams open Thursday, as the Warriors host University at 6:30 p.m., while the Buffanblu visit Mid-Pacific at 6.
In tomorrow night's ILH opener, the Junior 'Bows tip off against Maryknoll at Hawaii Baptist Academy at 6:30.
The Oahu Interscholastic Association starts March 1. Five-time champion Kalaheo opens defense of its title March 19 at home against Castle.
"Kamehameha is by far one of the top teams, not just in the ILH, but in the state, too. They're loaded," Punahou coach Mike Taylor said. "They're aggressive on defense, attacking weak spots in opponents' offenses. They're deeper than last year's team."
The Warriors are led by last year's Star-Bulletin player of the year Megan Ching, a multi-talented scorer, rebounder and ballhandler.
"And they've added a freshman, Tatiana Lorenzo, who is a nightmare to guard," Taylor said. "She can shoot and penetrate, and she's got a great, quick first step."
Punahou lost to Kamehameha in the state final last year and is aiming at a return trip.
The Buffanblu are led by guards Rachel Kane and Elise Umeda and center/forward Becky Hogue.
"Rachel's forte is defense, and she's been more of a vocal leader this year," Taylor said. "Elise generates spark and enthusiasm and Becky is really devoting herself in her senior year. She's a great, great leader.
"I like where we're at. We're a step or two ahead of where we were last year."
Iolani, guided by swing Ginger Gravelle and guard Lana Young, could compete for league honors.
"They're patient on offense and they take smart shots," Taylor said.
With guard Shannon Nishi and post Caroline Beddow leading the way, Mid-Pacific might also prove to be a contender.
THE OIA EAST has the usual suspects, starting with Chico Furtado's Kalaheo squad, which gets a big boost from mainland transfer Taylor Smith.
"It's going to be very competitive," McKinley coach Jesse Victorino said. "Of the 11 teams (in the OIA East), there's eight of 'em that could win on any given night.
"Kalaheo's young, but they've got the experience of being in championship games," Victorino said. "And they're the champs until someone knocks them off."
Victorino led McKinley to OIA titles from 1995 through 1997 before the Mustangs' reign began.
Forward Amber Lee, who led the league in scoring and rebounding a year ago, is back to lead the Tigers, along with wing Rayna Isaki. Both four-year players are joined by junior guard Bre Carson, a transfer fromKalaheo.
Kaimuki, with Dalia Solia, and Moanalua, with Patti Hardimon, are among the contenders in the East, along with an athletic Kahuku squad.
Four of the Menehunes' starters are seniors -- Hardimon, Amy Kotani, Marleen Leautu and Christina Sierra.
"The OIA has a lot of tough teams," Moanalua coach Roy Dias said. "We're just hoping we have a good season, and the main thing is to stay healthy. The East is going to be a tight race. I really can't say who's going to be good in the West."
McKinley's Victorino said the Menehunes are ahead of all other OIA teams in terms of talent, and he thinks Pearl City has what it takes to go far in the West.
The Chargers' Christy Ayers leads a group of four returning starters.
"The West is more predictable. Pearl City returns a whole bunch of people and Leilehua is always there, but I expect it to be a battle in the East," he said.
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