Kamehameha rules nation

The state champions are national champions, as well.

Kamehameha's powerhouse cheerleading squad moved up to a larger division and captured first place in the National High School Cheerleading Championships on Sunday at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

“;The girls have done really well all year,”; coach Melissa Beimes said. “;But we just felt we still had our best performance still inside of us. We expected more from ourselves. And here at nationals, the girls finally felt like they gave it everything. It was that passion and commitment to a team goal that made the critical difference.”;

Kamehameha's score of 85.25 edged North Laurel (Kentucky), which had an 85.20.

Carmichael transfers

Keanu Carmichael, an All-State first-team catcher last year, will not play this season.

Carmichael, who hit .442 with 19 RBIs and slugged .808, committed just one error as Kamehameha reached the state-tournament final. A Kamehameha official confirmed that Carmichael, a senior, is no longer attending the school and will attend Mililani.

Because he left after a transfer deadline, Carmichael is not eligible to play for any other school.

Carmichael is projected to be a high draft pick in June's Major League Baseball Draft and has signed a letter of intent to play for Hawaii.