Voters still love Iolani,
despite close victories

Close calls and all, Iolani collected all 12 first-place votes to remain atop the Star-Bulletin Boys Basketball Top 10.

Iolani, which escaped with a 44-43 win over Punahou on Thursday, is now 14-0 in Interscholastic League of Honolulu play (26-2 overall). The three-time state champion secured the league championship and a state-tournament berth.

Two teams, Saint Louis and Kohala, dropped out of the Top 10, while Kalaheo and Waiakea entered.

Three-time defending Oahu Interscholastic Association champion Kalaheo returned to the Top 10. The Mustangs, who qualified for the state tournament last week, landed at No. 9.

Waiakea, which reached the BIIF semifinals with a win over Kohala on Saturday, entered the poll for the first time this season. The Warriors, who overcame the early loss of center Abe McGrew, are at No. 10.

Baldwin, which had elevated to No. 2 last week, remained status quo. However, Punahou boosted to No. 2, as well, following the near-upset of Iolani. Baldwin is 12-0 in Maui Interscholastic League play (21-2 overall) and has clinched a state-tournament berth.

Punahou, like Iolani, has clinched a state berth. The Buffanblu, 11-3 in league play (21-10 overall), finished second in the ILH. Like Iolani, it will have a bye until the state tourney.

Kahuku, Campbell, Kamehameha and Kauai followed in the next four spots. Of those four, all but Kamehameha have sealed state berths. Kamehameha (9-5 ILH) will host the league's third-place tournament this week. The tourney winner will claim the league's third and final state berth.

Konawaena (23-5, 16-1 league) moved up two notches to No. 8. The Wildcats won the Big Island Interscholastic Federation title after topping Kohala and Waiakea in tiebreaker games last week.