DEAN SENSUI / DSENSUI@STARBULLETIN.COM
Saint Louis' Sammy Kaneshiro beat Kahuku's Dustin Huddy in the state meet yesterday.
Saint Louis' Jonathan Spiker and Moanalua's Caylene Valdez took care of business yesterday on the first day of the Data House State Wrestling Championships. Spiker, Valdez on right track
Star-Bulletin staff
Spiker and Valdez are trying to win state titles for the fourth consecutive year. Patrick Higa of Iolani is the only wrestler in state history to win four times.
The girls finals are at 5 tonight, followed by the boys finals at 7 at Blaisdell Arena.
Yesterday, Spiker took care of Waipahu's Joshua Bumanglag by technical fall in the quarterfinals of the 152-pound weight division to help his two-time defending state champion Crusaders hold on to a half-point lead over Iolani heading into today's action. Spiker pinned King Kekaulike's James Cummings in 36 seconds in his opening match.
"It's something that's always in my mind," Spiker said of his chance at history. "Hopefully, in the back of my mind right now."
The boys team race looks to be close, with seven Crusaders and six Iolani wrestlers still alive in the championship semifinals. Kamehameha, 6.5 points behind Saint Louis, has five wrestlers left in the championship bracket.
Valdez won a year ago at 108 pounds. She moved up to 114 pounds this season, and beat Kaiser's Ashley Poling by fall at 56 seconds in the quarterfinals yesterday.
Moanalua trailed defending state champion Kahuku in the first day's team standings. The Red Raiders led all girls teams with 79 points. The Menehunes were second with 50.5.
Ben Wilmore of Saint Louis survived an early scare, defeating Clynton Miranda of Kealakehe 8-4 in the 130-pound quarterfinals. Wilmore won a state title at 112 pounds last year.
Iolani's Brent Kakesako also advanced to the 130 semifinals after defeating Joe Duley of Pahoa 5-1. Kakesako won at states at 125 pounds a year ago. Wilmore beat Kakesako for the ILH crown earlier this month.
A third semifinalist in that group is Emil Suehiro of McKinley.
Suehiro's brother Rene won his quarterfinal match at 140 pounds. McKinley has another set of brothers also. Desmond Thain (135) and Lawrence Thain (119) won their matches.
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