Hawaii Basketball

As tough as it was to pick the top teams in the ILH, it was equally as difficult to separate out the league’s top players. Because so many teams this year will rely on the collective efforts of several players to succeed, its hard to predict who will emerge as the ones with the most impact. (So, we just tried our best…)

Take a look at the 2007-08 HawaiiHoops.com ILH Preseason All-Stars:

First Team:
• Cole Shidaki, St. Louis, Sr. - A 4-year Varsity letterman, Shidaki will need to shoot a high percentage and carry the scoring load for the Crusaders if they expect to contend for an ILH title. Expect to see him making a living on short drives for pull-ups inside of 12-feet.
• Marcus Holyfied, MPI, Jr. - As possibly the top junior in the state, Holyfield has the potential to dominate the ILH with his length and athleticism. If he can add a consistent 3-point shot to his already impressive transition and mid-range game… watch out.
• Richard Herring, Maryknoll, Sr. - His supporting cast may not be enough to make his team a contender, but at 6-2, Herring is extremely versatile and will likely play every position on the floor at some point during the season. He has good range out to the three and finishes strong going to the hole.
• Dalton Hilliard, Punahou, Jr. - Though Punahou is the favorite to win the ILH, its hard to pick out an All-star from the Buffanblu team. Several players may eventually step up and stand out, but for now Hilliard appears to be the one who may have the biggest impact. His explosiveness and athleticism will make him one of the league’s top on-ball defenders and with Punahou’s style of play, he should have a ton of opportunities to score in transition.
• Taylor Mounts, Iolani, Sr. - Another of the 4-year lettermen, Mounts is the only player left in the islands with two state championships under his belt (2005 & 2006). At 6-5, he is a well-rounded big man with a good inside game and decent range out to the three. Look for him to average a double-double for an undersized Iolani team.
• Kawika Lyons, Kamehameha, Sr. - Fairly unknown, yet no less impressive, Lyons is among the top shooters in the ILH. His long, lanky frame will allow him to shoot over defenders on the perimeter and finish over bigger players on the inside while also being tough on the defensive end.

[Photo: Honolulu Star Bulletin]

Second Team:
• Micah McClinton, St. Louis, Jr. - At 6-3 with a versatile game, McClinton will be a matchup problem for many teams in the ILH. He, along with Jamison Miller, could eventually end up having a greater impact than Shidaki once the season gets into full swing.
• Kamakoa Jovanovich, Kamehameha, Sr. - As the lone “big man” for the Warriors, Jovanovich has a solid inside game and like Mounts at Iolani, will be a key to his team’s success.
• Devon Takenaka, MPI, Sr. - Takenaka is a solid all-around player with good size and a strong build. With teams focusing their attention on Holyfield, he should have plenty of opportunities to score.
• Nikko Romuar, Damien, Sr. - The Monarchs may not have a great chance at winning the title, but Romuar is explosive and athletic enough that people will have to take notice. He and guard Anthony Tuitele (Damien’s QB) will carry the load for Damien.
• Pablo Warner, Iolani, Jr. - Wildly athletic, Warner will be flying around the court game in and game out making plays. It may not be pretty, but he’ll be an important part of Iolani’s success.
• Jamison Miller, St. Louis, Sr. - Miller has a lot of upside, but up until this point, has only been in the shadows for Saints, so its difficult to gauge how he’ll perform this season. His size, athleticism and mid-range game could make him an impact player in the ILH.

Top Defender:
• Dalton Hilliard, Punahou - Look for Hilliard to give fits to opposing guards who will have to deal with his strength, athleticism and relentless attitude for an entire game.

Top Newcomers:
• Trevin Tulonghari, Iolani, Fr. (Transferred from Damien) - Tulonghari showed some promise this summer with good size, athleticism and a solid set of skills.
• Manti Teo, Punahou, Jr. (Started at Punahou, transferred to Kahuku, now back at Punahou) - Big, athletic and versatile, Teo was a standout on the football team and should make an impact for the Puns on the court whether or not Steinhoff is able to return.
• Brandon Dumlao, Kamehameha, Jr. (Up from the JV) An explosive guard, Dumlao could emerge as the team’s top playmaker with all the talent he has surrounding him.