High School Basketball

By Wes Nakama For the first time in its rich 40-year history, the ‘Iolani Classic championship game will have a strong “local” flavor to it. A capacity crowd of about 1,050 watched former ‘Iolani standout JJ Mandaquit score seven points in his former home gym and help Utah Prep (Hurricane, UT) deny perennial national powerhouse […]

By Wes Nakama For the Punahou boys basketball team, staying close with perennial national power Oak Hill (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) Tuesday night was not just a wish — it was an expectation. The defending state runner-up Buff ‘n Blue went toe-to-toe with the talent-laden Warriors for three full periods in the ‘Iolani Classic first-round game, only […]

By Wes Nakama Five-time defending girls basketball state champion ‘Iolani entered this season knowing there would be a challenging road to a sixth straight title. But that journey got tougher earlier this week, and just as the Raiders were preparing for a matchup against the nation’s No. 9-ranked team, Etiwanda (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) Friday night. The […]

The Hawaiian Kingdom National Team is set to represent Hawai’i in the 2024-25 season, kicking off with an international tour in Brisbane, Australia from October 4-11. The team will participate in cultural exchanges and compete in basketball matchups against the Queensland Indigenous Team and a Gold Coast-based Māori team. Additionally, they will challenge two U18 […]

Friday Night Prime Time came one day early due to the holiday on March 29, 2024. In front of a very energetic crowd filled with families, students, and friends, the Aiea Na Ali’i battled against the Pearl City Chargers in a close game. Friday Night Prime Time is an event that brings together special needs […]

Our first-ever Hawaiʻi High School Boy’s Basketball All-Star Game, which highlighted 36 players from 20 different schools, was so much fun! In the end, Team Black, led by Kohala’s Coach Kihei Kapeliela won the 2024 All-Star Championship against Team Blue. Congratulations to Team Black’s Zion Milare, Ayndra Uperesa-Thomas, Lecedric Brown, Cobe Wyatt, Kiai Yasso, Jeremiah […]

We’re excited for the upcoming 2024 Hawai’i Boys Basketball All-Star Games that will feature 36 players from 20 different school across the 808. Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024 Location: Leilehua High School Semifinal Game 1: 3:00pm Semifinal Game 2: 4:00pm Championship: 5:30pm *Tickets are good for all 3 games*

The Damien Farias Senior Basketball Classic was held at Saint Louis School this past weekend, featuring some of the state’s top seniors! Best wishes to all of them on their future endeavors! Photos: Lori McKeown

Kohala triumphed over Seabury Hall in a nail-biting 49-45 overtime win, securing their back-to-back HHSAA/Heide & Cook Division II Basketball State Championship. Facing challenges, including a face-guarding defense, Kohala displayed resilience and teamwork, with Jayden Hook’s inside presence and Hezekiah Wilson’s contributions playing vital roles. The win highlighted Kohala’s journey, overcoming tough opponents to defend […]

By Wes Nakama Eager and determined to put another stamp in the history books, Saint Louis raced out to a big early lead and then held off Punahou, 48-39, Saturday night to win its third straight Heide & Cooke/HHSAA Boys Basketball State Championship. A supportive crowd of 3,194 at Blaisdell Arena watched tournament Most Outstanding Player […]