Dynasty or no dynasty?

The 'Iolani Raiders won five boys basketball state championships in a row from 2002 to '06, often overcoming a lack of overall height. The last two state titles, however, were claimed by Punahou and Kaimuki.

A state crown this year would clearly answer any question about 'Iolani's dominance. For longtime coach Mark “;Doc”; Mugiishi and his staff, it's always about adjustments and understanding personnel. The sight of former Star-Bulletin Players of the Year Derrick Low and Kyle Pape at the recent 'Iolani Classic was just another reminder that the Raiders won championships with disciplined, aggressive basketball.

This year's Raiders are 6-3 in nonconference play, including losses to nationally ranked DeMatha (Md.) and Oak Hill (Va.). Coaches and media voted 'Iolani to a No. 3 ranking in the Star-Bulletin Preseason Top 10.

On paper: Another loss, to Putnam City (Okla.) was one that got away, Mugiishi said. Other than that, the Raiders won the St. Joseph/Waiakea Classic and have beaten all local competition, including yesterday's victory over Punahou II in the first round of the Moanalua Holiday Classic.

Pablo Warner, a 6-foot-2 1/2 senior, has evolved into a more serious threat with more range. Warner's 3-point shot is deadly now.

“;He's definitely gotten stronger and he's more reliable in the sense of finishing a play offensively or defensive,”; Mugiishi said of Warner, who was a Star-Bulletin All-State/Fab 15 pick at No. 5 last season.

Trevyn Tulonghari (5-11) and Kainoa Chu (5-10) give 'Iolani scoring punch from the perimeter.

“;They're our best offensive players besides Pablo's ability to penetrate,”; Mugiishi said.

Tulonghari, a sophomore, will come off the bench with senior Kela Marciel (5-11) to give the Raiders a big jolt.

“;Kela is a phenomenal athlete. He helps us tremendously defensively and pushing the ball,”; Mugiishi said.

Andrew Skalman brings plenty of experience back as the starting point guard, and Jarrett Arakawa (6-0) gives Mugiishi a bonus.

“;Jarrett is like our quarterback on the floor,”; he said of Arakawa, an All-State honorable mention quarterback on the gridiron. “;He can learn every position, so we have him playing everything.”;

The skinny: This is one of 'Iolani's quicker teams, so the tempo has been up, up, up.

“;With this team, that's the perfect way to play. We have lots of depth, lots of great athletes. They're best when they keep moving,”; Mugiishi said.

Keeping his players fresh and utilizing myriad defensive attacks, Mugiishi believes he can use any of his 15 players on call.

“;It's the first time in a couple of years I feel when we have to get a stop, we'll get one,”; said Mugiishi, whose teams have won seven state titles in all.

In the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, the Raiders are one of the smaller teams again. They've always made up for that with marksmanship from the perimeter and superior ball movement, plus defensive traps that perplex younger teams.

Having a good number of returnees helps, too. The late start to the season (Dec. 1) left the team with fewer practices due to tournament commitments. Even with the early success, poor free-throw shooting down the stretch—maybe a byproduct of fewer practice sessions—caused 'Iolani to blow a late lead in the loss to Putnam City.

X factor: Mugiishi says the team's depth is the key.

On that bench is Sealii Epenesa, a 6-2, 300-pound All-State defensive tackle. The junior is playing organized basketball for the first time, according to Mugiishi.

“;He's an amazing athlete and picking it up quickly. He's a great kid,”; Mugiishi said.