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Punahou boys, girls
rate as ILH favorites
When it comes to volleyball,
the Interscholastic League of Honolulu rules.
As of this week, five of the six teams in ILH Division I girls volleyball are ranked in the Star-Bulletin Top 10. The lone team not ranked, Hawaii Baptist, is perennially tough and normally in the poll. Even the Division II favorite, St. Francis, is in the Top 10.
That means volleyball fans will get their money's worth each time they see ILH teams meet in regular-season play, which began yesterday. It also means that four of the six teams don't make the state championships.
"If you don't watch it, any team can sneak in," said Iolani coach Luis Ramirez, who switched from the boys to the girls this season. "With respect to Kamehameha and Punahou, it's about who's on that day. It's going to be very close."
Punahou, ranked first in the Top 10, is the league's favorite despite key personnel losses. Liz Kaaihue is just a junior, but the powerful outside hitter gives the Buffanblu a huge lift with her setting skills. Along with versatile Kaui Robello, the Buffanblu are softening the blow of Pohai Nuuhiwa's graduation with a two-setter offense.
Middle blocker Larissa Nordyke is also a terminator-type hitter, who will be back soon from a foot injury.
Iolani, which knocked off nationally ranked Los Alamitos (Calif.) and forced a championship playoff for the Ann Kang Invitational title, has its best team in years. Setter Kapua Kamana'o may be the best in the state despite being only a junior.
Lauren Minkel returns as a sophomore to provide power from one outside hitting position. Leinani Keanini, a 5-foot-7 sophomore, gives Iolani another outstanding hitter to neutralize opposing defenses. Keanini was named MVP at the Junior Olympics 15-under tournament.
Kamehameha may have the most talent. From 5-11 senior Deven Bukoski to super sophomore Kanani Herring, the Warriors also have loads of depth, probably more than any team statewide. Alexis Robbins, a junior, gives coach Chris Blake another weapon alongside Bukoski, a middle who will play outside hitter next year at Cal State Fullerton.
The dark horses include Word of Life and Mid-Pacific. Word of Life features Careena Onosai, a 5-11 middle blocker who can hit a heavy ball from the outside as well as any. Chanteal Satele has also developed into a lethal outside hitter on a squad that is comprised of many club players.
Mid-Pacific, under first-year coach Lia Young-Hunt, features versatile Dani Mafua, a 5-9 outside hitter who is refining her setting skills. The Owls also have 5-10 middle blocker Morgen Sullivan and outside hitter Crisi Nihipali.
Kylee Pedro is a 5-9 freshman middle blocker.
"She has a lot of potential," Young-Hunt said.
St. Francis is a clear-cut favorite to win the league's Division II title. Kawena Otineru and Kylie Harrington are formidable outside hitters, and senior setter Kanani Perry is a veteran returnee. In the first-round format, Division I and II teams will play each other.
"I like being the underdog," coach Eric Perry said. "I always tell our team, we're D-I material."
On the boys' side, defending state champion Punahou is a favorite, if by a hair. Iolani and Kamehameha loom nearby, and Hawaii Baptist should challenge. HBA upset Iolani in a preseason tournament.
Kamehameha features Jordan Inafuku, who can play any position.
Punahou, however, has perhaps the best hitter statewide in Spencer McLachlin. The 6-5 junior was last year's Star-Bulletin Player of the Year, and coach Peter Balding earned top coaching honors.
"I don't think Punahou is any more beatable than last year," first-year Iolani coach Mike Among said. "I think they've got enough of their core guys back, and each has improved. They played together and won that national (club) championship together."
Iolani has multi-talented Kawika Shoji, an acrobatic 6-4 senior.
"He is probably the best all-around player in the state. There are a lot of good players out there, but as far as doing whatever the team needs, he's right there," Among said.
When Shoji goes outside, Ethan Chang has setting duties. Josh Starbuck has grown 4 inches and is now 6-6.
Hawaii Baptist upset Iolani to win a preseason tournament and is a clear contender for the crown.
"HBA is legit -- Coach Teoni (Obrey) is doing a great job with them," Among noted.
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