Hoop junkies, another chance to voice your opinion. Help rank the high school leagues similar to the power rankings done to college basketball conferences? This is my opinion based on the number of teams considered for the state (division I/II) titles.
1. ILH (Division I) - Damien, Iolani, Kamehameha, Maryknoll, Mid Pacific, Punahou, St. Louis, University. No other league can boast 4 teams (Iol, Kam, Pun, St.L) who are state contenders. Even the second tier teams (MPI, Mary) are competitive state wide.
2. OIA Red East - Farrington, Kahuku, Kaimuki, Kaiser, Kalaheo, McKinley, Moanalua. With Kaimuki winning a state title 2 seasons ago, this league sports at least 2 state title contenders. Kahuku should be the cream with Kalaheo and Kaimuki fighting for second.
3. BIIF (Division I) - Hilo, Honokaa, Kamehameha, Keaau, Kealakehe, Konawaena, Waiakea. Rumors have it that either Hilo, Honokaa or Konawaena might move to division II. If that happens, it would affect this league's ranking. Kam and Waiakea will be tough and could be a tough out at states.
4. OIA Red West - Aiea, Campbell, Kapolei, Leilehua, Mililani, Radford, Waipahu. All teams have been hit hard by graduation. Campbell, Radford and Leilehua look to be the class but none have a chance at a state title.
5. MIL (Division I) - Baldwin, Kamehameha, Kekaulike, Lahainaluna, Maui. Kam and Lahainaluna have closed the gap on Baldwin which makes for a competitive regular season, just no state contenders here.
6. OIA White - Anuenue, Castle, Kailua, Kalani, Nanakuli, Pearl City, Roosevelt, Thompson, Waialua, Waianae. This is the year the OIA reclassifies their teams. Castle, Kailua, Roosevelt all have a legitimate chance at a division II state title.
7. BIIF (Division II) - Hawaii Prep, Ka'u, Kohala, Laupahoehoe, Pahoa, Parker, St. Joseph. Kohala and St. Joe's both return a bulk of their starters. Pahoa is a sleeper. The 2 teams that make it to states will be contenders.
8. KIF - Kapa'a, Kauai, Waimea. All 3 will be competitive and are very similar but none are state contenders. Kapa'a has the best chance to advance.
9. MIL (Division II) - Hana, Ka'ahumanu Hou, Lanai, Molokai, Seabury Hall, St. Anthony. Seabury Hall is the top team with everyone else hit hard by graduation. Don't see them going too far in states.
10. ILH (Division II) - AOP, ASSETS, Christian Academy, Hanalani, HBA, Iolani II, Kamehameha II, Lanakila, Le Jardin, Lutheran, Punahou II, St. Louis II, Word of Life. With the departure of UHS and IolII, KamII, PunII, St.LII all not able to qualify for the state tournament, this is the least competitive league in the state. HBA could contend.