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Punahou’s Iosefa
orally commits to
San Diego State

Punahou offensive lineman Trask Iosefa didn't get a boatload of scholarship offers, but the senior waited patiently.

The wait has paid off. Iosefa, a 6-foot-1, 290-pound tackle, orally committed last Saturday to play for San Diego State this fall.

"San Diego's like Hawaii, but a little bit colder. I have lots of family there," he said yesterday. Iosefa made his decision during a visit to SDSU over the weekend.

Aztecs offensive line coach Ed White, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, likes Iosefa as a center.

Iosefa played center in the HUB Goodwill Classic. White also got a good look at Iosefa in Punahou's zone-blocking scheme, which is very similar to the one at SDSU.

"I'm comfortable at center. It's a lot easier than tackle," Iosefa said. "You don't have as much room to work with. (White) likes my quickness, how I move to the ball and get downfield."

SDSU was a member of the Western Athletic Conference -- Hawaii's conference -- but left with seven other schools to form the Mountain West in 1999. The Aztecs are scheduled to play the Warriors twice over the next four years, a factor that played in Iosefa's decision.

Iosefa was contacted by Colorado early in the season, but is happy to become an Aztec.

"I was never on Hawaii's radar," he said.

Center is not one of Hawaii's 'need' positions, thanks to Derek Fa'avi.

James back after fainting: At first, it seemed like a double whammy that would hit the Kahuku boys basketball program at the worst time: a head coach falls ill as an assistant steps away for another health-related issue.

For now, though, the Red Raiders can breathe a sigh of relief. Longtime coach Nathan James is fine after checking into Kahuku Hospital on Monday morning. James fainted before Kahuku's practice, according to assistant Hiram Akina.

"He works so hard and puts in a lot of time," Akina said. "He doesn't go to bed until late. The doctor said he was dehydrated and didn't eat much at all. He kinda blanked out."

James returned to practice yesterday after some much-needed rest. He and his staff will continue building on a 3-1 start to the nonconference season. Kahuku landed at No. 9 in the Star-Bulletin Boys Basketball Top 10 on Monday, two days after finishing a close second to Campbell in the Saber Hoops Classic.

Akina, however, won't be there. Before James fell ill, Akina told him that he would take time off to focus on the rehab therapy of his hip. Akina had hip replacement surgery in late November. Recovery time is 4-6 months, but Akina thought he could coach through it.

That was not the case.

"It's so frustrating to be there and you can't do anything. It's tough to demonstrate and tough to relate when you can't show them," Akina said.

His son, Alan, will continue assisting James.

"They're a good bunch of kids and there's not a lot of egos out there," Akina added.

Kahuku had a 52-51 lead before losing in the final 7 seconds of the Saber Hoops Classic. The Red Raiders' play at the tourney was enough to convince voters as Kahuku entered the poll for the first time this season.

Akina hopes to be back with the team in three weeks, physical therapist permitting.

"We still have a lot of work to do, and the kids know that, too," he said. "They're just picking up things. It's not a smooth-running machine yet, but the parts are there. Coach James keeps them intact, and he'll make sure they get these things done.

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Athletes of the week

BOYS

Kaimana Komine, Academy of the Pacific basketball: Scored 22 points in a win over Lanai and 47 against Myron B. Thompson Academy as the Dolphins won the D-II title of the Iolani Classic. He made 15 of 23 field-goal attempts against Thompson.

GIRLS

Courtney Kessell, Kailua softball: Threw a perfect game, with 12 strikeouts, in an 8-0 win over Kaimuki. She also fired a one-hitter, striking out 13, in an 8-0 win over Roosevelt.

Honor roll

BASKETBALL

Daniel Phillips, Campbell: Named MVP of the Saber Hoops Classic as Campbell won the title.
Tristan Bailey, Campbell: Senior swingman named to the Saber Hoops Classic all-tournament team.
James Bannister, Campbell: Power forward named to the Saber Hoops Classic all-tournament team.
Robert Morris, Campbell: Point guard named to the Saber Hoops Classic all-tournament team.
Xiro Naovalath, Waianae: 27 points in a loss to Chula Vista. Named to the All-Palama Christmas Tournament Team.
Clinton Parks, Kahuku: Senior point guard named to the Saber Hoops Classic all-tournament team.
Devin Unga, Kahuku: Junior forward named to the Saber Hoops Classic all-tournament team.
Michael Belmes, Waiakea: 20 points in a 61-54 win over Konawaena.
Aukai Wong, Hilo: Scored 25 points against eventual Hilo Holiday Classic champion Temescal (Calif.). Also scored 34 in win over Kamehameha-Hawaii.
Cody Nakamura, Baldwin: 25 points in a win over Kailua.
Charles Hazelwood, Lanakila Baptist: 23 points in a win over Hana, 21 points in a loss to Seabury Hall.
Bryce Oliveira, Hana: 39 points in a loss to Lanakila Baptist.
Steven Henderson, Hana: 23 points in a loss to Lanakila Baptist.
Cody Tesoro, Baldwin: Senior point guard scored 25 against Keaau in the finals of the Seabury Hall Invitational.
Jerrome Figueroa, Thompson: 27 points in a loss to AOP.
T.J. Akina, Konawaena: 23 points in a win over Hilo.

SOCCER

Ashley Kanda, Castle: Three goals in a 9-0 win over Kaimuki.
Ambree Ako, Aiea: Three goals in an 11-1 victory over Campbell.

SOFTBALL

Deynna Pahio, Honokaa: Fired a no-hitter in a 1-0 win over Konawaena. Also hit two doubles.
Shanna Dacanay, Punahou: Was 3-for-5 and scored three runs in a 10-2 win over University.
Gail Matsushima, Punahou: 3-for-3 with a double and three RBIs against University; 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs against MPI.
Kaha Weir, Punahou: 3-for-5 against University.
Brittney Akana, St. Francis: Hurled a one-hitter in a 12-1 win over MPI.
Anita Manuma, St. Francis: 4-for-4 with two home runs against MPI; 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs against Maryknoll.
Kandyce Love, Moanalua: Hurled a one-hitter in a 3-0 win over Kaiser.
Noe Esperas, Kamehameha: Fired a no-hitter in a 14-0 win over University.

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

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