The ‘Iolani Raiders take on everyone possible, but there is only one team nationally that has beaten Hawaii’s No. 1-ranked squad.
The Raiders went 6-1 at the Durango Fall Classic over the weekend, losing only to the country’s top-ranked team, Sierra Canyon (Calif.). In the process, ‘Iolani beat several ranked teams: Foothill (Nev.), Mercy (Ky.), Harrisburg (S.D.) and Prestonwood Christian (Texas).
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“We’ve learned a lot about ourselves and each other. Our response to adverse situations is always something we work on. We were definitely challenged in this tournament and as coaches we are happy with the progress we made this weekend,” ‘Iolani coach Kainoa Obrey said. “It’s a great experience for our kids to play three Top 10 teams on Saturday and win two of those matches. We’re excited for the next phase of this season.”
Prestonwood Christian is No. 9 nationally (MaxPreps) and Harrisburg is No. 10. The Raiders collected all eight first-place votes in the Star-Advertiser Girls Volleyball Top 10.
Kamehameha’s young team posted wins over South Torrance and Rocklin, both ranked in California, and finished 3-3 in the tournament. The Warriors’ only loss in pool play was to Texas powerhouse Cornerstone Christian.
“The Durango tourney is a great way of seeing where we are at a national level. Talking with Bob Kelly (the tournament’s founder), it was great to hear from opposing coaches about how hard we work. A lot of it is due to our players, who don’t give up. He calls it grit,” Kamehameha coach Chris Blake said.
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No. 3 Kamehameha and ‘Iolani square off tonight for the second time in 10 days.
Kamehameha-Hawaii’s talented, young squad went 2-3 at the Durango Classic.
“My favorite moment was watching our very young team compete with some of the top talent in the country. We got to open the tournament up against No. 2 Mater Dei,” Warriors coach Zoe Leonard said. “Opportunities like this don’t come often for us neighbor island programs, and we are so grateful to just go out there and compete. I’m impressed with the composure of my eight underclassmen on the team, and proud of the leadership from our seniors.”
Kamehameha-Hawaii has a key rematch with Waiakea on Wednesday before playing last year’s league champion, Konawaena, on Thursday. On Saturday, they meet Hawaii Prep, which just handed Waiakea its first loss in BIIF play.
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Trojans unstoppable in football poll
Mililani collected all 13 first-place votes in the Star-Advertiser Football Top 10. The Trojans stifled last week’s No. 2 team, Kahuku, 28-6 with a balanced offensive attack and superb defensive performance.
Campbell moved up to No. 2 after a 64-7 win over Kailua. The Sabers and Trojans meet Saturday at John Kauinana Stadium.
No. 5 Kamehameha and No. 9 Saint Louis meet Saturday afternoon at the Crusaders’ field. It will be Saint Louis’ first game of the ILH Open Division season.
No. 6 Waianae and No. 10 Waianae will battle Friday in a key OIA Division I matchup at the Marauders’ field.
