Seven weeks can be a long time, but the ‘Iolani Raiders haven’t peaked quite yet.
‘Iolani remains on top of the Star-Advertiser Girls Basketball Top 10 today after collecting nine out of 10 first-place votes from the panel of coaches and media. The Raiders (15-6, 6-1 Interscholastic League of Honolulu) returned from the East Coast and trounced Punahou 59-36 in their only action last week.
Lahainaluna (12-4, 7-0 Maui Interscholastic League) received a first-place vote for a second week in a row. The Lady Lunas are at No. 2 for a third consecutive week after runaway wins over Maui 64-23 and Kamehameha-Maui 48-20.
Kamehameha (11-4, 5-2 ILH) is at No. 3 for a third week in a row. The Warriors have been as high as No. 2 and have been among the top three since Dec. 10. They overpowered Mid-Pacific 62-35 on Friday.
Maryknoll (15-2, 4-2 ILH) is the No. 4 squad for a third consecutive week. The Spartans outlasted Sacred Hearts 67-57 on Friday and have three gauntlet games this week: at ‘Iolani on Tuesday, at Punahou on Thursday and at home against Kamehameha on Saturday.
Kalani (17-6, 9-1 Oahu Interscholastic Association) rose one notch to No. 5 after lopsided wins over Farrington and Kaimuki. Since the return of Kamalu Kamakawiwo‘ole, the Lady Falcons are winning by an average margin of 35 points.
Konawaena (9-2, 8-0 Big Island Interscholastic Federation) played one game last week, routing Keaau on the road. The three-time defending state champion Wildcats dropped one spot to No. 6. They have just one game this week, but it’s a big showdown at Waiakea Thursday.
Hilo (8-3, 6-1 BIIF) overwhelmed Ka‘u last week and moved up to No. 7 today. The Vikings’ three losses were by a combined 12 points (Lahainaluna, Kalani, Konawaena).
Punahou (9-3, 4-3 ILH) dropped two notches to No. 8. In the Buffanblu’s lone game last week, they trailed by six points early in the second half at ‘Iolani before losing by 23.
Waiakea (14-4, 6-1 BIIF) walloped Kealakehe on the road in its lone game last week. A win over Konawaena on Thursday would, in short time, potentially create a three-way tie for first place between the Warriors, Wildcats and Hilo. Waiakea also plays at Kohala on Saturday.
Kahuku (10-4, 9-0 OIA) remained in first place atop the OIA East with a win over Roosevelt and is lodged in at No. 10 for the second consecutive week.
The only other team to receive votes is Mililani (14-3, 9-0 OIA), which edged Radford 26-21 in a slowdown away game.
Mid-Pacific and Sacred Hearts received votes last week, but was snuffed out this time.
Honolulu Star-Advertiser Top 10
| GIRLS VOLLEYBALL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 10/23 | ||
| RANK | TEAM | VOTES |
| 1. | Kamehameha (10) | 100 |
| 2. | Punahou | 89 |
| 3. | KS-Hawaii | 80 |
| 4. | Moanalua | 67 |
| 5. | 'Iolani | 60 |
| 6. | Baldwin | 46 |
| 7. | Mililani | 34 |
| 8. | Mid-Pacific | 27 |
| 9. | Damien | 20 |
| 10. | University | 14 |
This year winning the chip will be very rewarding for the team that does it; while there is no clear cut front runner; Iolani, kamehamaha, maryknoll and Kalani are the most dangerous teams. Lahainaluna is the only other threat. That being said; the upsets will be entertaining! Hi Kona!