2007-08 ILH Preview: Top Teams
The ILH is expected to be a tightly contested race this season with as many as five teams contending for the title and one of the league’s three berths (actually more like 2.5) to the 2008 Hawaii Basketball State Tournament.
With practice opening today, HawaiiHoops.com previews the top teams in the ILH (in reverse order):
5. Mid Pacific Owls - With one of the top players in the state in 6-3 junior Marcus Holyfield (shown far right), the Owls have enough talent to be considered a legitimate contender in the ILH. Whether or not they live up to their potential will depend on their supporting cast as well as their coaching staff and the style they elect to employ. Several of the team’s core players already compete together in preseason NJB leagues which is a big advantage for the young squad, but it remains to be seen if these players will be able to transition to a different coach (School coaches are not allowed to coach outside leagues during certain time periods) and a different style.
Strengths: Holyfield and Devon Takenaka are two of the better players in the ILH and with their supporting cast of Kellar Ellsworth on the inside and Sampson Won at the point, they have a strong starting unit that thrives in transition and is very familiar with each other’s game.
Weaknesses: Beyond their top 4-5 players, there is a significant drop-off for the Owls, so it will be interesting to see how they deal with fatigue and foul trouble. The lack of depth may also hurt their ability to get out in transition which is one of their apparent strengths as they have been successful in the preseason getting out and finishing.
Prediction: The Owls may not have the consistency to finish in first or second, but they will provide the top tier teams with a few scares and possibly take one or two of them down. Look for Mid-Pac to give teams like Kamehameha and Iolani a lot of trouble when they meet up in January.
4. Kamehameha Warriors - The Warriors have a lot of gifted athletes, but it remains to be seen if they’ll be able to put it all together and play consistently at a championship level. Several players return from last year’s squad, but noticeably missing in 2007-08 will be ILH First Team guard Rykin Enos who graduated last season.
Strengths: With spot up sharp-shooter Kawika Lyons on the outside, Kamakoa Jovanovich on the inside and swingmen Conrad Scheidt, Pii Minns, Auwae De Rego, and Jon Hew Len roaming the wings, the Warriors have the pieces to make a strong run at the title. Add to that, talented point guard Brandon Dumlao and there could be even greater possibilities…
Weaknesses: Having so much individual talent could be the team’s biggest downfall as it will be their ability to play TOGETHER that will make or break them.
Prediction: Coach Nakanishi usually does a good job at finding a way to win even if its a little ugly so its likely that the Warriors will show flashes of brilliance at some point this season but will also lose a couple of games they probably shouldn’t. Look for Kamehameha to finish in a fight for third or fourth place - outside of the top two (who receive an automatic berth to the state tournament).
[Photo: Star Bulletin]
3. Iolani Raiders - Much like Punahou (as you’ll read later), Iolani has an interesting mix of unimpressive, yet effective players that will need to play extremely well together and execute everything the Doctor (Mugiishi) draws up in order to make their way to the top of the ILH. The Raiders will also have to compensate for the loss of promising swingman Liloa Nobriga, who left the islands this summer to move with his family to Las Vegas, and senior sharp-shooters Case Miyahira and Ryan Dung. Filling the void on the inside will be 6-5 center Taylor Mounts and lanky forward Pablo Warner while the shooting duties will be passed on to backups Berton Wong and Bricen McCartney.
Strengths: As is always the case with Iolani, regardless of their talent, you can’t count them out because of how they execute. This will be of utmost importance this season as the Raiders are filled with “role” players… but they’ve done it before, so its unlikely anyone will overlook them. Also… look for production from a couple of freshman who showed some potential to make an impact in the summer and early fall.
Weaknesses: Sometimes having too many “role” players won’t work if you don’t have at least one “star” to rely on when all else fails… your MJ, your Kobe, your Derrick Low or Kyle Pape. Mounts may be the one that needs to step into that slot this season if the Raiders are going to be successful. Iolani will also be without a few key players for nearly a month as the football team will be participating in the 2007 State Football Tournament in Division II.
Prediction: It will be interesting to see how things come together for the Raiders this season, but if they are able to stay healthy (especially their bigs), then look for them to make a strong run at the title.
2. St. Louis Crusaders - As was the case in the past few years, the Crusaders are huge. They may have lost ILH Co-Player of the Year Scott Smith to graduation, but the Saints still have 6-5 Jamison Miller and 6-7 Siunipa Fiefia (if he can stay healthy) in the front court along with 6-0 guard Cole Shidaki and 6-3 swingman Micah McClinton. Head coach Delbert Tengan will have his work cut out for him, though, as he and several of his players will be away from the team for nearly a month while their team moves along in the 2007 Hawaii Football State Tournament.
Strengths: Opposing teams will have a lot of trouble matching up with the Crusaders this season as they’ll have to commit their biggest player inside and leaving at least one undersized player to defend the 3 or 4 spots. McClinton may benefit the most this season as he’ll be able to shoot over smaller opponents and have an advantage on the boards. Shidaki could also be in for a big year if he can control his shot selection and finish on jumpers in the key.
One additional benefit for the Crusaders this season is the move of the girls season to the winter. Because St. Louis is an all-boys school, they will not have to deal with the reduced practice times and gym-usage issues that several of their competitors will likely be hindered by.
Weaknesses: As big as their are, their guards will make or break the Saints. If 4-year guard Shidaki and returning backup Lucas Gonsalves can hold their own in the back court, the Crusaders can be successful, but based on their track record in years past, this may not be the case.
Prediction: If the Crusaders can control the tempo and keep their turnovers down, they should be very successful this season, but its likely that backcourt pressure by Iolani and Punahou will take its toll on the Saints and cause them to falter at least a few times in the regular season. Still, they’ll be right in the mix for one of the top two spots and an automatic berth to the state tournament.
1. Punahou Buffanblu - Punahou took a big hit when potential ILH Player-of-the-Year Kameron Steinhoff had his spleen removed after suffering a football injury nearly a month ago. His return is still questionable, but it is not likely you’ll see him in uniform this season as there are significant risks for infection associated with the surgery.
Despite the loss, the Buffanblu have a strong remaining core that’s more than capable of carrying their team to a second straight ILH title. Trevor Crabb, a 6-5 center, will need to pick up the slack left by Steinhoff both offensively and defensively while guard Dalton Hilliard will need to be a dominant force in the backcourt. Role players, 6-3 Casey Shibuya and 6-0 Henry Cassiday should be solid in lesser roles, but it could be 6-2 junior forward Kimo Makaula that makes the difference. With a ton of potential, Makaula has been great in spurts, but hasn’t been consistent enough for Coach Hale to keep him in the lineup.
Strengths: Punahou has a great mixture of size, skill and athleticism that will make them very tough to beat in the ILH this season. To put it simply, they’re a very solid team. They can probably go 8-10 deep without much of a dropoff and overwhelm teams with consistent play.
Weaknesses: Last season, it was the “Miah and Spencer Show”, so we’ll have to wait and see if the secondary players will be able to step up into the spotlight. Steinhoff appeared to be the one most prepared to handle the “star” label, but his loss will force some else to make the jump. Who could that be?…
Prediction: If someone can step up for the Buffanblu, they will undoubtedly capture the ILH crown, but even if they can’t find their “leader”, Punahou is still a slight favorite. They won’t be dominant, but it appears at this point that they’re the team with the fewest holes so, for that reason, the Buffanblu get the nod.
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FINAL NOTES: To be honest, no team is really THAT good this season, so every one of these five teams has a chance. It’s highly likely that no team goes undefeated and it could be that the ILH Champion finishes with three losses and captures the title in a three-way playoff. But… however it happens, it should be fun to watch. February may be months away, but you can start getting excited now…
[Photo: Star Bulletin]
Posted in: High School, Iolani, Kamehameha, Mid Pacific, Punahou, St. Louis
OIA FAN#2 said,
October 29, 2007
Nothing perosnal, because it’s great that there’s a web site dedicated to HS Hoops. But is this a site about Hawaii Basketball or about ILH Basketball. Who ever writes the stories seem to be very knowegable and fair. But it smells like the work of a Parent from the ILH.
Also what about Maryknoll and Damien?
HawaiiHoops said,
October 29, 2007
Because the ILH starts this week, the first post of the new year was dedicated to a preview of the top ILH teams. Don’t worry, a preview of the OIA is coming… (It takes some time to gather information and write up these previews, so we had to release them in pieces and not all at once.)
As for Damien and Maryknoll, we feel that although they have a few talented players (who will be recognized in the upcoming review of the ILH’s top players), at this time, their teams are not good enough to contend for a title.
Also… we are trying to get our new forum up and running so please feel free to login and write your responses there. Go there now »
islandstyl said,
October 30, 2007
Pretty much right on the money with the your top 5. Can’t wait for the season to start…
BTW–Any idea who are the local teams that will be playing in this year’s Iolani Classic? The website only lists the out of state teams.
Thanks and great job!
Hoop Fan said,
October 31, 2007
Iolani Classic 1st Round Pairings:
Roosevelt vs ACD of Florida
Leilehua vs Mason County of Kentucky
Iolani vs Guang Zhou of China
St. Louis vs Rice of New York
Baldwin vs Mt. Vernon of New York
Moanalua vs LeFlore of Alabama
MPI vs Westchester of Claifornia
Kalaheo vs Montrose of Maryland
Bunch of USA Today top 25 teams, a whole bunch of Rivals.com All Americans.
Iolani Classic is the Best!!! We can only wish they had a bigger gym.
Bballfan69 said,
November 5, 2007
This list seems to be the same every year but this year will be different. Everyone is going to be surprised when one of the teams that you didn’t preview makes a lot of noise. Can’t wait to see what you write then. Your hint at what team lies in the movie “300″
ILH Fan said,
November 5, 2007
If the Spartans “make some noise”, everyone is definitely going to be surprised. Herring may have to average 30 a game for that to happen.
Anonymous said,
November 6, 2007
Other than Herring, who else do the Spartans have this year?
Hoop Fanatic said,
November 6, 2007
Maryknoll’s best chances at making the state tourney graduated a couple of years ago (Tsukuzaki). Last year they had Jordan Ho-Ching, who was a bit undersized but played much, much bigger than his physical stature. The Spartans will surely miss him.
This ILH basketball season will be different than previous years. There is no clear-cut favorite as was the case with Punahou last year and Iolani for all those years prior. There is also no true “superstar” in the ILH, i.e. Ostrowski, Pape, Low. Parity will be the theme this year and its looking like there will be some pretty epic games taking place.
buckets808 said,
November 7, 2007
look this year plan and simplpe the ILH is close any team can beat anyone ask any coach no one coach will take anyone in the ILH lightly. HOW BOUT EVERYONE STOP TALKING AND JUST WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS PLAN AND SIMPLE!
Blind Referee said,
November 7, 2007
Stop talking? This is a site for discussion, questions and feedback. (Sorry, the rest had to be edited. It wasn’t that bad, but had to do it so things don’t get out of hand. - HH)
Bballfan69 said,
November 7, 2007
I will agree that 2 years ago the Maryknoll team was good but they had no size and the Tsukuzaki kid was just a scorer and did nothing to make his team better. As for Ho-Ching, he could play bigger than he was but he couldnt shoot. From what I hear Herring has plenty of support on this team with at least 8 seniors and they can all play. They have size and shooters and guards to get them the ball. I am a grad from a different ILH school but have some ties to Maryknoll and look forward to watching them play this year as long as they dont beat up on my school that bad. (I dont want to mention what school it is because I am embarrassed of some of the things that they do with their programs)
Blind Referee said,
November 8, 2007
Tsukazaki was just a scorer? He never made his team better? Give me a second while I call Coach Gier about any truth to that statement….
Blind Referee said,
November 8, 2007
…Sorry. No answer to his cell. His phone battery might be dead. (Edited - HH)
Bballfaan69 said,
November 8, 2007
How many assists did Tsukazaki have a game, maybe 1 or 2. How many bad shots did he take a game 6-8. No doubt he was the scorer of the team, but he didnt play that good of defense and he didnt pass the ball. Herring might not score like he did but he will be a far better all around player than he was and I think that the coaches at Maryknoll would agree. Why dont you call the coaches and find out!
Bballfan69 said,
November 8, 2007
Do any of you follow the teams year round like I do. I heard that Maryknoll beat Mililani by 30 over the summer and they are supposed to be one of the best in the OIA. They also beat Iolani in their gym. I know it is just summer but that has got to say something. I was at the Iolani game and they dominated the whole game. Know what you are talking about before you try to argue with me because I only talk in facts!
Blind Referee said,
November 8, 2007
Maryknoll is the 8-time summer champions!!! Wooo-hooo!!! Maryknoll has to get a new trophy case because they don’t have any more room to stuff all of their summer championship trophies.
I don’t get you Bballfan69…your first sentence states that you “follow the teams year round…” and in your very next sentence you said that you “heard” that Maryknoll beat Mililani by 30. So what is it?
You have every right to disagree with the websites top 5 ILH teams. Why don’t you put up your version of your top ILH teams with an explanation behind every pick?
To: Hawaii Hoops - Sorry about the postings I put up that had to be deleted. I got a little carried away with it. Won’t happen again.
ILH Fan said,
November 8, 2007
I believe Maryknoll also beat Iolani the summer before the 06-07 season…
I’m not sure how good they’ll be this year, but their win that summer didn’t end up meaning much last season as they went 3-11 in the ILH.
The summer before that they beat Punahou in the Kalaheo summer league prior to Miah’s junior year and finished at 5-9 in the ILH.
Its obviously better to win than lose, but summer league success really needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love for another team be in the mix because that will make the league even more exciting than its already expected to be, but I’m gonna hold off calling them a contender until they play a few games this season.
HawaiiHoops said,
November 8, 2007
Thanks for your cooperation Blind Referee.
Nothing wrong with a little back and forth, cause that’s what makes it fun. Just try to keep the personal stuff to a minimum (Cause we don’t like having to edit posts).
Blind Referee said,
November 8, 2007
Sorry. I would take Tsukazaki any day over Herring. Even if Tsukazaki had only one leg, I still take Tsukazaki over Herring. Even if Tsukazaki had one arm tied behind his back with his right eye covered with peanut butter, I take Tsukazaki over Herring.Even if Tsukazaki was carrying a 20lb. bag of rice on his shoulders during the game, I still take Tsukazaki over Herring. Even if Tsukazaki….well…you get the point, I take Tsukazaki over Herring.
(Edited - HH)
Blind Referee said,
November 8, 2007
Hope that last one was okay…I’m just trying to make a point without hurting anyone. Trying to be funny too, I hope.
Blind Referee said,
November 8, 2007
I LOVE basketball season baby!!!
Blind Referee said,
November 8, 2007
This site is HEATING UP!!! Must be basketball season!
I wish EVERYONE a great season…
To: Hawaii Hoops
Every year I buy a week-long pass for the Iolani Classic. Now with the inception of the girls Iolani Classic, I plan on buying a week-long pass for this also. Can you guys find out if this pass is good for BOTH tourneys? I hope so…if not, no problem because I’m JONESIN’ for some basketball baby!!!
P.S. Iolani should look into televising some of the marquee games at the classic. Some great matchups but such a small venue…OC16 can maybe jump on.
HawaiiHoops said,
November 8, 2007
Blind Referee,
The last one was a little over the line…
Its okay to compare players, but its not okay to attack an individual. (Just remember these are high school kids.)
To All,
While we’re still establishing our standards for moderating posts, there are bound to be some inconsistencies with how we handle our edits. Please bear with us and, when posting, use your best judgment and try to stay positive.
Mahalo for reading,
HH
Blind Referee said,
November 8, 2007
Understood.
808east said,
November 8, 2007
Must say, love the website. I do agree with HH that we must remember these are just high school kids, and they shouldn’t be compared.
But it is interesting how different everyones opinions are.
Bballfan69 said,
November 8, 2007
(Edited)… tell me after the season if you would still take Tsukazaki over Herring. I bet you have a different view then. (Edited)
Bballfan69 said,
November 8, 2007
Sorry about going a little far with the last comment but I cant believe that someone would ty to put down a high school kid. Herring is the best player in the league this year and he will have help with him. I am not going to respond anymore to the ignorant comments on here from some people. If you want to talk basketball then lets talk but leave the high school kids alone. BUT I will stand by my comment that Herring is the best player Maryknoll has had in the last 8 years and I’ll bet his coaches would agree. It is going to be fun to watch him and Holyfield battle it out all year for who is the best in the league and if you think that these are not the 2 best then refer to my ignorant comment!
Blind Referee said,
November 9, 2007
What are you…? his brother? sister? president of his fan club?
I don’t have to wait a whole season. I can tell you now that I would take Tsukazaki over Herring ANY DAY, and please don’t even tell me that just by saying that I am putting down a high school kid. I am merely stating my own opinion.
Bballfan69 said,
November 9, 2007
What are you Tsukazaki’s brother? his sister? president oof his fan club? or a guy that just cant get off someone’s nuts? Yes you are putting down a high school kid and you are an idiot. If you knew anything about basketball you would know that Tsukazaki hurt the team as much as he helped them. Did you see the Maryknoll - Pun game his senior year when they blew a huge 4th quarter lead. He was something like 4-10 at the line in the last quarter. Then they go to OT and lose. I guess you are right I would take a guy like that all day, a guy who shoots worse than Shaq at the line. AS for me being a fan, yes I am a fan of good players. You are probably a person that thought Hirata at Iolani was a stud because he played with Low. Where is he playing at now. I know Iknow, you would take him over Herring with cheese in his eye and you slapping his butt. Any other former players that you would take because you cheered for them in high school until half time when you had to go out and perform with your dance squad?
Blind Referee said,
November 9, 2007
This is Herring’s senior year…what has he done so far up to this point? what has he accomplished in the league? he didn’t even make honorable mention of the Star Bulletin’s FAB 15…
You’re saying Herring is the best player in the league and you’re calling me an idiot?
Oh and by the way, Hirata is playing college ball at Chaminade. But you already knew that since you’re totally connected as far as basketball in the state of Hawaii.
I’m getting worried about you…in your last post you referenced “getting off on someones nuts” and “slapping butts”…hmmmm…..
HawaiiHoops said,
November 9, 2007
Okay, okay… Settle down. (In my most teacher-ish tone… haha.)
Please continue this discussion in the Hawaii Hoops Forum.