Hawaii Basketball

According to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Kameron Steinhoff, a 6-4 forward for the Punahou Buffanblu, is recovering from surgery after having his spleen removed following last Friday night’s game against the St. Louis Crusaders. Also a standout wide receiver, Steinhoff suffered the injury on a hit taken during a Punahou pass play and was transported to the hospital prior to the end of the game.

While no specifics were given, the expected recovery time for a splenectomy is about 4-6 weeks, but for competitive athletes that time can be as long as 4-6 months (to return to competition). Following this type of surgery, patients are more susceptible to bacterial infections because without the spleen, the body loses some of its ability to filter blood (part of the immune response).

Chris Sims, a QB with the Tampa Bay Bucaneers, had a splenectomy around the same time last season and while he did miss the rest of the season, was able to return to the team this year to secure the backup role behind recently signed Jeff Garcia.

Steinhoff was expected to be among the top players in the ILH and the state this season after having a breakout performance in the 2006-07 State Tournament and helping the Buffanblu to the finals. While his family, friends, teammates and coaches, not to mention fans of high school basketball, would love to see him in uniform this year, let’s all join in and pray for his quick and healthy recovery first and worry about the sports part later…

[Photo: Jon B Photography]