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12 is nice, but 16 would be nicer
Posted at 10:18 AM
Time to expand, or at least discuss the possibilities. By Paul Honda Life in the merciless BIIF has never been more harsh. That is, though, the way the ball bounces in league that has always played good basketball. Honokaa has its state berth, thanks to a regular-season title. Konawaena, by knocking off Honokaa last night, did two things: 1) earn a spot in the BIIF finals, 2) clinch a possible state berth. That's because even with a loss to Kamehameha-Hawaii tonight, Konawaena can't finish lower than third. The league's third-place team — either Konawaena or Kamehameha-Hawaii — will play the ILH's No. 3 team at the Civic next weekend for the final state berth. Complicated? Just ask Keaau. After being among the elite of the BIIF all season, the Cougars' nemesis turned out to be Honokaa. Keaau lost at home to the Dragons, and in Tuesday's tiebreaker for the regular-season title, lost at Honokaa by three points. Last night, Keaau fell to hometown rival Kamehameha-Hawaii, the defending league champion. Just like that, the season is over for the Cougars. Kaput. Pau. They will likely be the best team to not qualify for the D-I state tournament this season. They won't be the only good team to miss states, depending on how the OIA and ILH playoffs turn out. They are, though, the first, and the sad part is, they have the ability to reach the state finals. We'll never know now. It's been awhile since I've written this, but it's worth repeating. Expand the state tourney to 16 teams. There are plenty of quality teams in the BIIF. Plenty of quality teams in the ILH. This year, seven OIA teams are solid. In a 16-team format, the OIA would almost definitely enter eight teams. I can live with an eighth OIA entry that is so-so. As long as teams are wiling to provide their own travel coverage, I say expand. A 16-team format would kill the first-round byes and increase attendance on Day 1. I expect to hear from those who want to shrink the field from the current 12-team set down to eight teams. That's fine with me. The more discussion, the better. Share your thoughts in the basketball forum. After registering, e-mail paul@hondareport.com with your username, and your forums account will be activated. First and last names are required for all posts. Previous Article: Surprise, surprise Comments © Copyright 2003 HondaReport.com/Leahi.Net
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