Prep Game Of The Week – 1/7/15
WINTER SPORTS
PUNAHOU vs. MARYKNOLL
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 7 P.M.
@ MARYKNOLL HIGH SCHOOL
Chris Hart
Gary, speaking of tradition, Punahou has two players whose fathers were teammates in the early ’80s. Kalai Santos’ dad Rex (class of 1981) and Jared Lum’s father Alan (class of ’80) were state champs. Already, the Buffanblu are off to a great start. At the time of this writing, Punahou has played a tough preseason schedule and came out of it with just two losses: one to Farrington, which they later avenged twice, and then a last-second put back at the buzzer to fall to a stacked Kalaheo team. Maryknoll definitely has talent, but its stars are still babies. Punahou’s strength is at the guard position, and this is a guard-dominated game. The dynamic duo of Jordan Tanuvasa and Dayson Watanabe have been unstoppable. Throw in 6-foot-3 guard Justin “JB” Kam’s knack for scoring and a great set of role players, and you have the team to beat in 2015. Will they be as dominant as Santos, Lum, Richard Haenisch and Dan Hale of the 1980s? We’ll have to wait and see, but it will be fun to watch. The Puns win by 10.
Gary Dickman
I can’t wait for this ILH showdown between traditional powers Punahou and Maryknoll. These two rivals — are there two other high schools located so close to each other? — have had great games over the last few years. The Spartans, who played in the state title game just two years ago, are 5-3 heading into their game against Saint Louis, and then they host Punahou Saturday. The Spartans have a much different look from last year, with Joshua Burnett graduating and Caleb Gilmore transferring to Kalaheo. This is a rebuilding year for Kelly Grant, who has more freshmen (six), than seniors (two). But the Punahou game will be their 10th of the season, and youngsters, such as 6-foot-5 freshman Brian Washington and 6-foot-5 sophomore Justice Sueing, have gained invaluable experience. Washington is a good shooter and excellent shot blocker. Sueing, son of former UH great Justice Sueing Sr., is a force on both ends of the court. As good as Punahou is, it hasn’t gone against very big teams. Look for the Spartans to make more believers after this upset.
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Chris Hart and Gary Dickman
Weekdays, 3-7 p.m.
