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Jr. ’Bows learn
lesson about winning
a championship

Somewhere between David Johnson's scoring onslaught and Sunday's car wash, the Jr. 'Bows of University High learned a simple lesson about championships.

To win one, defense is paramount.

University rallied from a seven-point deficit to top Maryknoll 47-38 for the Black and Gold Invitational crown Saturday afternoon at the McKinley Student Council Gym. It was a solid three-day performance for two teams that don't have their own gyms.

Johnson, a 6-foot forward with a knack for getting his mid-range shot off, scored 53 points in University's first two games. However, in the final, both he and forward John Duro never got their offensive games flowing. The Jr. 'Bows turned to tough man-to-man defense, and Mike Tenorio came through. The senior guard shackled Maryknoll sharpshooter Tyler Tsukazaki and scored 13 points of his own.

Tsukazaki, who averaged 25.5 points until the final, finished with just 12 in the title game.

"It's good to know that we can rely on other guys to step up," said Duro, who played with an ankle injury.

Less than 24 hours later, the Junior Rainbows were at the Kahala Chevron, washing cars and raising funds for their trip to the Maui High Invitational, which begins tomorrow.

Maryknoll also had a fund-raising car wash Sunday.

The Spartans will leave tomorrow for Honokaa, where the rustic confines of Lester Bryan Armory -- and some of the state's most vocal fans -- await.

Ram tough: Radford lost a gem when All-Oahu Interscholastic Association West selection Tauran Moore graduated.

The 6-2 guard is playing well at a Sacramento junior college now, but Radford coach Kai Enos has looked to his returnees to help fill the void.

Mike Davis, the Rams' senior point guard, has stepped up with flying colors.

Davis, who carries a 4.0 GPA, sat out the first game of the Alegre Invitational because of a mouth injury. The Rams lost to Honokaa 56-53, but Davis returned the next day and scored 14 points in their 51-48 win over Kalaheo.

In the consolation final, Davis poured in 26 points as Radford outlasted Kamehameha 57-49.

"He's a pure leader," Enos said. "If he's not at practice, there's definitely a lull. People will pick up on him, so other people have to contribute."

The Rams are not tall, but are loaded with versatile 6-foot types.

"I'm pleased," Enos said. "The kids have improved in what they're trying to do defensively. They're starting to accept their roles."

James Herron, a 6-2 senior, is a classic example.

"He's smart, does the right things, knows where the ball is, how to play the lanes," Enos added. "He knows his role and won't take a shot unless he's open."

Kamehameha will need some time to find its rhythm. Ikaika Hardie is returning from a long football season, and center Waika Spencer is out with a football knee injury.

Leilehua lost a key cog when point guard Kennedy Orteza suffered an ACL injury during the football state tournament.

Tourney tripping: Iolani won the Alegre tourney, overwhelming Punahou 71-52 in the final. The three-time defending state champion Raiders opened the Star-Bulletin Top 10 at No. 1.

While Kyle Pape and Vinny Nip have emerged as go-to scorers, Kawika Shoji's versatility is valuable. His ability to see the floor, the way he does on the volleyball hardwood, helps the Raiders circulate the basketball quickly and efficiently.

Pressure defense, above all, is what anchors Iolani.

"We wanted to force them to take shots they didn't want to take," Shoji said after Iolani dismantled Punahou.

It was 37-34 in the third quarter when Iolani took command on both ends of the floor.

"The new guys bring intensity, so that's good," Iolani coach Mark Mugiishi said. "Everyone talks about how well Kyle and Vinny shoot, but our unsung heroes are Kawika and Barry (Kang)."

Kang has emerged as a solid point guard after leading the JV Raiders a year ago. He played through a volleyball shoulder injury that was aggravated when basketball began.

"Doc (Coach Mugiishi) always says defenses in early season are more crisp," Shoji said. "This is just the beginning. Other teams will make adjustments and get better."

But will they keep pace with Iolani?

Time will tell.

The Raiders open their Iolani Classic tomorrow with Division II games, and the Division I slate tips off Friday.

The tourney, one of the top prep tournaments in the nation, features defending champion Fairfax (Los Angeles), Rice (New York), Xaverian (Brooklyn), Roman Catholic (Philadelphia) and many more teams.

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Athlete of the week

Jon Santos, Mililani football: Caught six passes for 198 yards, including three touchdowns, in the West's 31-17 win over the East at the HUB Goodwill Classic. He was named the West's Offensive Player of the Game.

Honor roll

BASKETBALL

Jack Miller, Saint Louis: Scored 31 points in a win over Kailua.
David Johnson, University: Scored 27 points against Waipahu and 26 against Roosevelt as the Junior Rainbows went on to capture the Black and Gold Invitational title.
Tyler Tsukazaki, Maryknoll: Scored 25 against McKinley and 26 against Kapolei as the Spartans went on to finish second at the Black and Gold Invitational.
Jeremiah Ostrowski, Punahou: Averaged 20 ppg during the James Alegre Invitational.
Kainoa LaCount, Kailua: Scored 21 points against Kamehameha and 19 against Honokaa at the Alegre Invitational. In between the two basketball games, he played in the HUB Goodwill Football Classic.
Vinny Nip, Iolani: Averaged 15 ppg as the Raiders captured the Alegre Invitational crown.
Kyle Pape, Iolani: Scored 20 in a semifinal win over Honokaa and 26 in the final against Punahou.

FOOTBALL

Rocky Savaiigaea, Aiea: Named the West's Defensive Player of the Game at the HUB Goodwill Classic.
Stanley Nihipali, Saint Louis: Threw for 274 yards on 16-for-30 passing, and was named the East's Offensive Player of the Game at the HUB Goodwill Classic.
Tyson Alualu, Saint Louis: Named the East's Defensive Player of the Game at the HUB Goodwill Classic.

SOCCER

Rachael Lau, Punahou: Selected to the 2004 NSCAA/adidas High School Scholar All-America Team. She is one of 34 chosen nationally and is the only Hawaii player.
Ioane Siuta, Farrington: Scored three goals in a 4-0 win over Kaimuki.
Ashley Kanda, Castle: Scored three goals in a 4-0 win over McKinley.
Tyler Nakamine, Waiakea: Scored three goals in a 6-0 win over Alliance Christian.
Jessica Cifuentes, Makua Lani: Scored three goals in a 4-1 win over Ka'u.
Kehau Hagiwara, Waiakea: Scored three goals in an 8-1 win over Alliance Christian.

SOFTBALL

Brandy Sasaki, Kaimuki: Hit 5-for-6 with a double and two RBIs in a 9-8 loss to Castle.
Sarah Weisskopf, Punahou: Threw a no-hitter in a 6-0 win over Iolani and scattered eight hits, striking out four. She also delivered an RBI double in a 4-2 win over arch rival Kamehameha.
Cristen Aona, Punahou: Hit 3-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored in a 6-0 win over Iolani.
Gail Matsushima, Punahou: Hit 3-for-3 with two triples, two RBIs and a run scored in the win over Iolani.
Noe Ho'opi'i, Kamehameha: Hit 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs in a 5-1 win over Sacred Hearts.
Ka'ili Smith, Kapolei: Hit 3-for-3 with a triple and four RBIs in an 18-0 win over Waianae.
Corrie Nishikida, Pearl City: Hit 3-for-3 with an RBI in a 12-2 win over Leilehua.
Marina Gusman, Pearl City: Fired a shutout and socked a home run in the win over Leilehua.
Courtney Kessell, Kailua: Fired a two-hitter as Kailua blanked Kahuku 2-0. She struck out 14 and walked none.
Erin Guerrero, Kailua: Delivered a two-run single in Kailua's 2-0 win over Kahuku.

To nominate ... To nominate an athlete of the week, contact the Star-Bulletin Sports Department by 11 p.m. Sunday: Phone: 529-4782 Fax: 529-4787 E-mail: sports@starbulletin.com