CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Nani Cockett, left, received the 2005 Gender Equity Award at yesterday's Mufi Hannemann Jamboree.

Jamboree unites
girls hoopsters

The 12th annual Mufi Hannemann Jamboree showcased approximately 240 of Hawaii's best girls basketball players yesterday at Manoa District Park.

"It's the first time we've had this here, but it's better here because we have more space so more girls can participate," event chairwoman Dana Takahara-Dias said. "We needed a venue large enough to accommodate 24 teams."

The event doubled the number of participants from last year and featured 12-and-under, 14-and-under and prep-collegiate divisions. Each division had eight teams participating in single-elimination competition, with games starting as early as 9 a.m.

"It's the only basketball tournament in the state that features girls of all ages," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said. "It really gives the feeling of a jamboree because we had as many as four games running at the same time."

This was the first time the jamboree was held directly after the girls state basketball tournament instead of a week or two later.

Some of the girls, such as Konawaena's Hina Kimitete, played three 40-minute games yesterday, one day after playing in the girls state basketball championship game that went into double overtime.

"Playing in four big games in a row prior to this is exhausting. But I love basketball. I can't get enough of it and I'm just enjoying it," the senior guard said.

Punahou's Shanna-Lei Dacanay, who helped her team capture the girls state basketball championship over Konawaena, 52-50, conceded she was a little fatigued as well, but said, "It's a more laid-back atmosphere here today. Everyone is out here to have fun."

Although Kimitete and Dacanay were opponents on Friday, they worked together yesterday to help their team, coached by Kaimuki's Ramona Faasoa, win the prep-collegiate championship 72-66.

"Once you get to know the other girls they are real friendly," Kimitete said.

Faasoa's team defeated the team coached by Kaiser's Lisa Mann that included Kalaheo's Taylor Smith and Honokaa's Kari Heers. Each of the prep-collegiate teams consisted of six high school players and two college alumnae selected by a committee.

"It's a chance for high school girls to play together and compare themselves to collegiate alumnae," Hannemann said.

"We try our best to give the girls a hard rub," said University of Hawaii alumna Michelle Gabriel while trying to catch her breath.

Laughing, University of Hawaii alumna and Kamehameha graduate Nani Cockett said, "The younger girls have a lot more energy and can recover faster."

Cockett received the 2005 Gender Equity Award, presented by Hannemann to the person who contributes the most to women's athletics, especially basketball.

"Nani is a standard to which all the girls want to measure up to," Hannemann said. "She is an inspirational role model who has participated in at least half a dozen Jamborees."

"The older girls inspire us to work harder," Kalakaua's Tressa Torres said. "We see how they play and we want to be able to play at that level."

Torres' team beat the EastSidaz 70-39 to win the 14-and-under division. The EastSidaz also contended for the championship in the 12-and-under division, but lost to the 808 basketball club 61-42.

Although many of the players found the new date and format of the Jamboree exhausting, it was more practical for the players and their families from the neighbor islands.

"It makes sense to hold it this weekend since all of the players and fans are here," Konawaena head coach Bobbie Awa said.