By Paul Honda
paul@hondareport.com
Friday, Feb. 9, 2007

So Kahuku loses to Leilehua last night in boys basketball. Is it about Leilehua's improvement? Or Keith Spencer's expertise as a coach? Or is it about a matchup that was perfect for the Mules, a young, big team that didn't handle midcourt on-ball pressure well?

I think it's a little of everything, particularly Spencer's ability to prepare his team given a decent amount of time. However, you gotta give props to Kolwyn Dixon, who had 24 points in a pressure situation. It was a playoff game, but it was also televised, which could give any kid a case of the shakes.

Aside from Leilehua's win, there was nothing else that can be considered a surprise, not in my book. Will there be more surprises on Saturday when the OIA quarterfinals tip off? Possibly. Mililani and Kaimuki will be the most anticipated game. Mililani's strength — depth — is something Kaimuki sorely lacks. The X Factor will be Brandon Dela Cruz of Mililani. His ability to score in the low post could get Keone Reyes and/or Beau Albrechtson into foul trouble.

If the Bulldogs avoid the fouls, this game is theirs to win, even at Mililani.

Lucky thing for both teams, the loser isn't eliminated from the state-tourney chase. This season, the OIA has five berths in the D-I state tourney, which means the Kaimuki-Mililani loser can still make it through the 'back door.'

In the other league on Oahu, Punahou beat Iolani 60-46 to claim the regular-season title in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu. Surprised? Not really. Punahou has superior size, a true low-post scorer and a true scoring guard. Iolani has role players who maximize their individual strengths for the team.

Iolani made it this far and has played at a level closer to their potential than any other team. Punahou has the ILH title, but don't be surprised if Iolani reaches the state final again.

More later ...

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