Before the KIF boys basketball season had even tipped off, people were talking about the ‘great’ Menehune team, noting that the height (or lack of), problem that plagued the Westside team was solved. Height was definitely a factor in Waimea’s
Before the KIF boys basketball season had even tipped off, people were talking about the ‘great’ Menehune team, noting that the height (or lack of), problem that plagued the Westside team was solved.
Height was definitely a factor in Waimea’s march through the KIF season, finishing undefeated as the KIF boys basketball season.
Anchoring the forest was Casey Kaohelauli‘i who came off a strong volleyball season to exchange the white ball for a brown one, Kaohelauli‘i being joined by fellow volleyballer Jeremy McDown and Kamu Kawaihalau. Additional height came from the Menehune football program in the form of Lanikai Kanahele who, while in the community program, was noted for his solidarity in the paint.
Kyle Pigao comes from the Menehune volleyball program, and is joined by Akeem Allen as well as Red Raider transferee Max Hadwin.
Ball handling quickness was led by guard Jeremy Manuel with strong support from Bully Emayo, and Chad Barba, Barba being one of the stronger scorers while in the community program.
Rounding out the program coached by Matt Taba is football standout Jordon Dizon, who despite hobbled by injuries during the KIF season, is healed enough to have taken the floor for the Menehune’s final game, and will accompany the team to their state bid.
That door comes Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. when unseeded Waimea (8-0) squares off against Kaimuki (11-4) in the opening round of the 2004 HHSAA/Hawaiian Airlines Boys State Basketball Championship Tournament at the Neal Blaisdell Center on O‘ahu.
Top seed in the tournament is the Iolani Red Raiders (14-0) who will attempt to make HHSAA history with a three-peat in this year’s tournament.
Second seed goes to the Kalaheo Mustangs (13-1) with Kaua‘i boy Kahua Hollinger being on that team’s roster. Third seed is picked up by Maui (12-0), and Kealakehe (15-0) of the BIIF is the tourney fourth seed.
Other teams in the tournament include Waiakea (12-3), Punahou (12-2), Kamehameha (10-6), Mililani (12-1), McKinley (9-6), and Baldwin (10-2).
Should the Menehune get past Kaimuki, they face top seeded Iolani on Thursday night, a loss pitting them against the vanquished of the Baldwin/Mililani encounter.
