The Kamehameha boys wrestling team wants to keep the Koa in the ILH.
The Warriors lead the team standings after the first day of the Texaco/HHSAA State Wrestling Championships, trying to win the title it took in 2013. ‘Iolani won it the last two years.
The race is tight, though, with the Warriors sitting at 80 points to lead Lahainaluna (79.5) and Leilehua (74). That’s what you call tight.
Kamehameha has six wrestlers still alive for individual titles, matched by the two schools right below it.
The battle will begin bright and early at the Blaisdell, with Ikua Tihada of Lahainaluna and Leilehua’s Joe Kila Faafiu clashing for team points at 113.
That is the only semifinal involving the top three teams, so points will be at a premium in that match. Looking ahead to the finals, we could have Kysen Terukina of Kamehameha opposing Kanoa Lanoza of Lahainaluna at 120 and Braden Akima for the Warriors against Jesse Dudoit of the Lunas at 145.
Leilehua will have to get points from its wrestlers in the upper brackets (Keanu Punley, Brett Barefoot and Jonah Caminos Freitas) if it wants to hang around.
Here is a handy-dandy chart with each team’s wrestlers who are still alive. Red denotes competing in the championship semifinals.
Great update on competitors! Will watch the finals later today! Thanks!