[ HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL ]
Punahou girls
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The Interscholastic League of Honolulu still has two dominant teams in Hawaii basketball, but that doesn't mean Punahou (14-0) and Kamehameha (12-2) will be able to advance to the state final as they did a year ago.
There are more than a few teams trying to knock the traditional powers off their perch in the Hawaiian Airlines State Basketball Championship Tournament starting tomorrow at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Oahu Interscholastic Association champion Moanalua (13-0) and Big Island winner Konawaena (13-0) -- the tournament's second- and third-seeded teams --are among those with a solid chance.
The ILH champion Buffanblu earned the tournament's top seed and a first-round bye, while the defending state champion Warriors open tomorrow against OIA third-place team Kahuku (11-2) at 7:30 p.m.
"We're all chasing Kamehameha," Punahou coach Mike Taylor said. "They may be unseeded, but that doesn't mean anything. They always do well come tournament time.
"I looked at the brackets and it doesn't matter where teams are placed because it's going to be a battle. There are four strong, legitimate OIA teams a good Konawaena team, and Maryknoll (9-7, ILH's third state entry) is another tough team."
In other first-round games tomorrow, Kauai Interscholastic Federation champion Waimea (9-3) meets Farrington (10-4) at 3, Kealakehe (10-3) plays McKinley (10-4) at 4:30 and Maryknoll squares off against Lahainaluna (12-3) at 6.
Baldwin (13-2), the Maui Interscholastic League champion, is the tournament's fourth seed.
Taylor has brought in some University of Hawaii hoopsters, including former Buffanblu player Milia Macfarlane, to scrimmage against his team.
"All of our kids enjoyed playing against bigger, stronger and faster kids, and they held their own from time to time," Taylor said. "We're trying to prepare for some of those OIA schools that are bigger and more physical.
"I'm impressed with all four of the OIA schools (Moanalua, Farrington, Kahuku, McKinley). They each bring a different wrinkle. Moanalua has seven legitimate kids who can score and defend, and Kahuku plays with so much energy, always physical and always pushing the ball. If they start hitting shots, they're going to be real tough."
The Buffanblu, who are led by post Becky Hogue and guards Rachel Kane and Elyse Umeda, open Wednesday against the McKinley-Kealakehe winner.
The Tigers placed fourth in the OIA, but can't be overlooked with post Amber Lee and guard Bre Carson leading the way.
Kamehameha guards Megan Ching (last year's Star-Bulletin Player of the Year) and Tiffiny Shim, as well as post Mounia Nihipali, will be trying to lead the Warriors to their fourth state title in five years.
The Warriors face a stiff challenge in the Red Raiders, who rely on the inside work of Latoya Wily and Mona Ale.
Except for Aiea in 2001, ILH teams have won every state championship since 1987.
Moanalua coach Roy Dias agrees with Taylor that everyone has a chance.
"Punahou has a lot of weapons and the type of opponents they play prepares them," Dias said. "It's going to be hard for us to match up against them.
"And Kamehameha is an excellent team, well-coached ... they pressure the ball and they've been in this situation before and know how to win."
One of Dias' biggest worries is the Menehunes coming out flat.
"But our team is starting to understand what they need to do to win," he said. "They understand their roles and truly understand what each other is thinking."
The Menehunes get much of their mileage from starters Patti Hardimon, Marleen Leautu, Kepua Lee and Amy Kotani.
Dias is amazed at the number of quality teams in the tournament.
"It's not like we're walking in there thinking, 'We've got six bullets and we're all set,' because everyone has a gun and they're all ready to fire.
"We wouldn't want it any other way. I am constantly telling our girls that if you want to be the best, you've gotta play the best."
Farrington, led by the post play of Laosamoa Misa-Uli and the ballhandling and driving ability of Revelyn Cabaya, are among the many dark horses.
Baldwin guard Kami Kapaku and Konawaena's Nancy Hoist -- who scored 15 points in the 54-28 BIIF championship game win over Kealakehe on Friday --are among the other players to watch.
"We played Konawaena twice in the preseason," Punahou's Taylor said. "They hustled and competed and we were fortunate to beat them by shooting well in the first game. The second time, their good man defense and trapping zone presented problems.
"The tournament's going to come down to who's ready to make defensive stops, key rebounds, make shots and make the most of your possessions. It's wide open."
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State girls basketball
At Stan Sheriff Center
Tomorrow
Game 1: Farrington vs. Waimea, 3 p.m.
Game 2: McKinley vs. Kealakehe, 4:30 p.m.
Game 3: Maryknoll vs. Lahainaluna, 6 p.m.
Game 4: Kahuku vs. Kamehameha, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday
Game 5: Losers of Games 1 & 2, 2 p.m.
Game 6: Game 1 winner vs. Baldwin, 3:30 p.m.
Game 7: Game 4 winner vs. Konawaena, 5 p.m.
Game 8: Game 3 winner vs. Moanalua
Game 9: Game 2 winner vs. Punahou, 8 p.m.
Thursday
Game 10: Losers of Games 3 & 4, 2 p.m.
Game 11: Losers of Games 6& 9, 3:30 p.m.
Game 12: Losers of Games 7 & 8, 5 p.m.
Game 13: Winners of Games 6 & 9, 6:30 p.m.
Game 14: Winners of Games 7 & 8, 8 p.m.
Friday
Consolation: Winners of Games 5 & 10, 3 p.m.
Fifth place: Winners of Games 11 & 12, 4:30 p.m.
Third place: Losers of Games 13 & 14, 6 p.m.
First place: Winners of games 13 & 14, 8 p.m.
