Covering Hawai'i Athletics

EST. 2023
Raise the banner  
Mililani had this moment written all season long. Saturday night would see that goal come to fruition in dramatic fashion. A pitchers battle would be on display for the whole state to see a game of chess between the trojans and Wolfpack. One small error would be all it wrote for mililani to bring home the koa wood for the first time in school history.
the trifecta 
Mililani and Moanalua on the quest for history. One side looking for a seat at the top of the state, the other, looking for the third straight and cementing their dynasty as one of the best to ever touch the diamond. A gritty Moanalua side would start the scoring early, but it would be Hinano Bautista to show the Menes why Mililani has been dominant, and anyone in their way would see the monster they created.
true westside fashion 
Moanalua looking to go back-to-back in the oia championship match as they have been mauling through their opponents all season. many people wanted to see how a match up between the lady menes and lady seariders would face off if they had the opportunity. An opportunity that was made in the oia championship match for a run at the table. 
Etched in History
A back and forth battle for the oia plaque and a place in the history books. The first oia d2 championship match between the Kalaheo mustangs and Kapolei hurricanes came down to the wire. It would be the mustangs that get the last minute touchdown to lift them over the finish line. 
COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: Dalexy Sanchez
YOUR 2026 April COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, presented by Matsumoto Shave Ice, IS Dalexy Sanchez. Sanchez has come up big for the sabers late in the season with putting on a clinic in one of the most important games of the season to this point. Dalexy would go 3-4 at bat with a home run and a grand slam to help the sabers be on top of the oia once again. 
Lucky 7
Dalexy Sanchez. an absolute clinic in the 2026 oia d1 softball championship match. Sanchez would go yard at almost every at bat she had Saturday night helping Campbell reign on top of the oia once again. they now shift their focus on bringing home the koa wood trophy back to Ewa Beach. 
ON the hunt for number 1
the 2026 oia d2 softball championship match would see nanakuli and radford face off for the third time this season. With nanakuli taking the regular season series, radford was looking to change that script and bring home the first oia title in school history. 
Back-to-back in dramatic fashion 
Mililani and PEarl city, two teams that have slowly built up a rivalry in the OIA west, would face off in the 2026 oia baseball championship match. It would be Mililani looking to go back-to back, and pearl city to be back on top of the reigns. It was only fitting for this game to end the way it did in dramatic fashion. 
COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: Kahiau Aina
YOUR 2026 March COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, presented by Matsumoto Shave Ice, IS Washington Commit Kahiahu Aina. Kahiau has been an anchor in the Mililani Softball team throughout the season, helping them maintain an undefeated record. Aina's performances in March have proved pivotal moments in the Trojans' season so far against top-ranked opponents. 
Clean Sweeps for the bruins 
Everyone had all eyes set on this Matchup between the #1 UCLA Bruins and #3 Hawaii Warriors. The outrigger tournament always brings out the best of the best teams every year, and this year did not disappoint. A rematch of last years National Semifinal Matchup here in the Islands in the Pacific Ocean. 
Co-COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: Layden Kauka & Kashus Daley
YOUR 2026 February COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, presented by Matsumoto Shave Ice, IS Layden Kauka & Kashus Daley. The two star basketball players would make history by being the first co-cover athletes to win the prestigious award. Both players played key roles in bring home the Koa wood back up to the North. 
two champions with one goal in mind 
the 2026 Glenn Ah Sam Trojan Softball classic went underway this week, as the reigning and defending d1 and d2 state softball champions, mililani trojans and kapa'a warriors faced off in the knockout round. the trojans led by hinano Bautista and Kahiau aina looked to take care of business against the warriors led by Sienna Yamashita. two teams who can possibly see each other again in the 2026 hhsaa d1 state softball tournament. 
Kahuku makes the ultimate comeback against the defending state champs of punahou to claim the hhsaa d1 state championship title. 
The Kahuku Red Raiders pulled off one of the biggest comebacks in high school basketball history against the reigning and defending champions, punahou buff-n-blue. after trailing 13 points at the half, the red raiders led by junior guard, Kash Daley, who dropped 26 points, helped the kahuku red raiders get their first d1 state title since 2017. 
Kohala dominates seabury to reclaim the hhsaa d2 state championship title
an undefeated and hungry Kohala cowboys got their rematch of the 2025 hhsaa semifinal match against the reigning and defending seabury hall spartans in the 2026 hhsaa d2 state championship match. a game where the cowboys got off to a strong start, the spartans had no answers to stop senior guard, Layden kauka, who finished his high school career with 28 points and a 3rd koa wood trophy. 
'Iolani Dominates Punahou 5-2 to become back to back state champions
the undefeated and reigning defending champs of 'Iolani raiders took on ilh rival, punahou buff-n-blue, in the 2026 hhsaa d1 boys soccer championship. with an early score from the buff-n-blue, the raiders would find a way to even things up, then open the flood gates to run away with the game in the second half of the match. 
COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: Camryn Gouveia
YOUR 2026 January COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, presented by Matsumoto Shave Ice, IS California Baptist Commit Camryn Gouveia. Camryn has been a key component this year for the Lady Warriors run throughout the season, controlling the midfield and getting her teammate open for goal. Gouveia would make her statement in the championship match, scoring a thriller free kick 25 yards from goal. 
Victory Royale for kamehameha kapalama
the kamehameha Kapalama warriors and 'iolani raiders met once again in the 2026 hhsaa d1 girls basketball championship for the third straight year. the lady warriors completed the sweep against Ilh rival and also finish undefeated. nihoa Dunn would finish the night with 18 points and 11 rebounds, as the lady warriors become back to back state champions. 
Kahuku defeats kailua in a down to the wire championship game
a championship match that lived up to the hype. the kahuku red raiders and kailua surfriders battled it out in the 2026 oia d1 boys basketball championship. it would be a back and forth game in the 4th quarter, where kahuku would make the defensive stops that they needed and come out with the win. 
BullDogs Dominate the seariders to claim their 3rd oia d2 title
Kaimuki bulldogs avenge their opening season loss to the waianae seariders in the 2026 oia d2 boys basketball championship. both teams meet once again in the final play of the oia season. an electric atmosphere and a dominating performance by the bulldogs had them going up early in the game and didn't look back. 
Kamehameha are state champs once again
after falling short to ilh rivals Punahou buff-n-blue the past 3 years, the kamehameha kapalama warriors are state champions once again. the 2026 hhsaa d1 state championship match between the two was an all out performance for the lady warriors. having only lost one game all season long, the ladies from on top of the hill finally got their hands on the koa wood trophy and would claim their 12 title overall. 
Rainbow Wahine Basketball keeps adding w's  
The Lady Bows of Hawai’i add another dub to their win column after a dominant performance against Long Beach State University. Saturday night would also be Beemans Big Bash and it would be a night to remember for the UH Wahine team as they continue to stack up wins. 
Sabers are crowned oia d1 champions once again 
After becoming back to back oia champs in 2023 and 2024, the campbell sabers are back in the oia championship match against a young core team in the Kalani falcons. The sabers would be physical throughout the game against Kalani and would run away with the game late in the 4th to be crowned champs once again. 
Pearl City Finish undefeated and reclaim the oia d2 title 
the 2026 oia d2 girls basketball championship came down to the wire. the pearl city chargers and kaiser cougars would face off for the third time this season for a chance to bring the oia title home. it would be a low scoring game leading up to the 4th quarter, where the ladies in purple and white would overcome trailing the whole night, to winning it in the final moments. 
5 straight and 21 oia d1 overall titles for the trojans 
the 2026 oia d1 boys soccer championship match was a dominate game for the mililani trojans against the Kalani falcons. After an own goal mistake by the falcons, the reigning and defending oia champs would dominate the second half and add four more goals to become 5 time back to back oia d1 champions. 
Kahuku defeats waipahu in last year rematch to earn back to back titles
the 2026 oia d2 boys soccer championship match was a remtach of last years title match. kahuku and waipahu face off once again in hopes to lift the oia plaque and make a run for the koa wood title in states. kahuku would enter the title game undefeated as waipahu looked to avenge their only loss to kahuku from the regular season play earlier in December. 
Former Campbell Sabers reunite on the court
The Biola Eagles looked to take care of business on the road against the Chaminade Silverswords Thursday night. It would also be a special night as two former high school teammates of Campbell High School would share the court once again but in different threads. Eagle Sophomore Guard and Ewa Beach native, Aliyah Bantolina, would make her homecoming return to the islands to face off against Ewa Beach native and Junior Silversword Guard, Julien Parado. 
deja vu all over again
the 2026 oia d1 girls soccer championship between the campbell sabers and kaiser cougars went the distance in dramatic fashion. after winning the oia d1 championship two years ago in pk's for the sabers, they find themselves in the same situation this time around in a dejavu moment. 
Sophie Lugo game winning goal gets kailua it's second oia d2 championship in a row
the 2026 oia d2 girls soccer championship match between the kailua surfriders and radford rams was a thriller. after trailing for the first time this season, Sophie Lugo would shine when the stars are out at night and come up clutch with two back to back goals to be your 2026 oia d2 champions. 
Chris Henry jr and Eric McFarland iii gets team Mauka the win 
the 9th annual 2026 polynesian bowl took place Friday afternoon at t.c. ching complex in Manoa. team Mauka were led by head coach mike Singletary and team makai were led by head coach Doug pederson. both teams filled with star studded talents from across the country and islands. 5 star and Ohio state bound, chris Henry jr, got things going for team Mauka on game day.
COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: Justice Kekauoha
YOUR 2025 December COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, presented by Matsumoto Shave Ice, IS 'Iolani Junior Justice Kekauoha. Justice Kekauoha's Performance across the hardwood has been a strong start for the Lady Raiders season. Kekauoha helped lead the Lady Raiders to a semifinal appearance in the 'Iolani Classic as well as an undefeated start in league play while averaging 17 points per game. 

Mele Kalikimaka from Hawai'i 
Hawai'i rainbow warriors and California golden bears met in paradise for a chance to be crowned the 2025 Sheraton Hawai'i bowl champs. two teams with Hawai'i ties, history, and rookie led qb's square off in an ultimate showdown. all eyes were set at tc Ching field for the biggest game on Christmas Eve. 
Millennium gets the job done in paradise
the 2025 'iolani classic boys tournament ended off with the millennium tigers and the owyhee storm in the final match. after a close game, the tigers led by Aden diggs would get the push over the hill that they needed and become your 2025 'iolani classic boys champions. 
Koa wood heading to California 
YOUR 2025 Girls 'iolani classic champions are the St Mary Rams coming out of Stockton California after taking down carondelet. It would be an intense battle for the two California teams, but only one was able to come out victorious and etch their names into the history books of the 'iolani classic 
COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: Tainoa Lave
YOUR 2025 November COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, presented by Matsumoto Shave Ice, IS San Diego State Commit, Tainoa Lave. Tainoa Lave's performance across all games in the postseason for the Campbell Sabers would see him win the award decisively.  Tainoa would go on to help the Sabers win over Kamehameha, finishing his senior season with 10.5 tackles and a rushing touchdown. A record-like performance from Lave would crown Campbell the state championship and bring home the koa wood back to Ewa Beach since the early 2000s.
Campbell completes the mission and are bringing the koa wood back to Ewa beach
It all came down to this. Campbell and Kamehameha-Kapalama faced off in the Open Division State Championship Game. Both teams were looking to bring back the Koa Wood home for the first time since the 2000’s. after two back to back upset wins in the postseason, the campbell sabers led by head coach, Darren Johnson, finally get the job done against kamehameha and win their first ever hhsaa open division state championship. 
Millennium's dashia Richardson helps the tigers get past the 'iolani raiders in the she got game classic
all eyes are on the north shore, as the j5 inc hosted the she got game classic in hawai'i. many local and mainland talent participated in the preseason tournament as they ramp up their game heading into the regular season. we would see a few familiar powerhouse teams that visited the islands and get the opportunity to challenge many local talent that the island has to offer. 
texas a&m win Hawai'i north shore Showcase with the performance from ny'ceara Pryor
texas a&m, colorado, ut Arlington and vcu particitpated in the annual Hawai'i north shore Showcase hosted by j5 inc. the 4 teams got a chance to play in paradise, but only one will be named champion. 
#allytamastrong
the 3rd annual #allytamastrong invitational went underway as many teams across the island participated in honor of ally tamayose. the tamayose Ohana and the pearl city chargers started up the preseason tournament to honor ally's legacy and love for the game. the preseason matches would be a great start for all the teams to see their strengths and weaknesses. 
Justice kekauoha and the 'iolani raiders get a dominate win to start the black and gold tournament
the annual black and gold girl's basketball tournament hosted by McKinley high school went under way as teams across the islands start up their basketball season. many teams take on the classic challenge to get an early gauge reading of their teams performance. as basketball season begins, the road to February starts now. 
COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: Bailey Nakanelua
YOUR 2025 October COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, presented by Matsumoto Shave Ice, IS the Ohio State commit, Bailey Nakanelua. Bailey Nakanelua's State Championship PERFORMANCE would see her winning the prestigious award. Bailey would finish the game with 36 assists against the Kahuku Red Raiders. A dominant performance by Nakanelua would help see 'iolani lifting the koa wood trophy. 
Kahuku survives a nail bitter against the hurricanes to claim their 31st oia title
the final two teams in the oia open division battle it out on a rainy championship night. the hurricanes brought the storm to the game, but the Kahuku re raiders would prevail and win the game on a last second defensive stop. the red raiders walk away with the championship plaque and now set their eyes on the final prize. 
Kailua's 2 decade wait breakthrough 
a 2 decade wait for the Kailua Surfriders would finally see them lift the OIA Banner and plaque for the first time since 2001. A nailbitting championship match was the only way this game could've gone. 
Rough Riders Reigns 3 times 
Roosevelt brings home another OIA Title for the third straight season. One of the most dominant seasons they posted and now with hopes on bringing home a state championship. 
'Iolani crowned new d1 hhsaa Girls Volleyball state champions 
number 1 ranked 'iolani and number 3 ranked kahuku squared off in the final match of the season in an all raider battle. The Ilh and oia champs had a dominate postseason as they swept their entire bracket leading up to the title match. a game that was electrifying from both fan bases and history being made as kahuku ended a 23 year drought of an oia team making the state championship match. 
Mater Dei takes down rival #1 St John Bosco
A spooky matchup for the ages, as #12 Mater Dei travels to bellflower to take on #1 st John Bosco. the highlighted high school match up of the week and it did not disappoint. stars from both teams showed up on halloween and put on a show for the fans. 
16 League titles for the Lady Raiders
Kahuku and Moanalua face off once again, this time for the Championship match. Two teams that are very familiar with each others game and ending the regular season series tied up at one a piece. This best 2 out of 3 matchup would see Kahuku avenge their only loss of the season and bring home the OIA Title back to the North Shore. 
Taking home the title since 2011
5 sets would be the story written in the OIA D2 Volleyball Championship match between the Roosevelt Rough Riders and Leilehua Mules. a crazy 18-0 start, Emotions running high would be written in this story of the Championship Match. Roosevelt wins in 5 and taking home the League title, the first since 2011. 
'iolani Sweeps in Championship Match
The old school Hawai'i Volleyball classic. 'iolani and Kamehameha facing off for the ILH Championship with hopes to finish atop in the ILH. It would. be all 'iolani as their offensive hitting force would be on full display. 
Kahuku secures the #1 seed in oia division
Two undefeated teams faced off Friday night, as the mililani trojans went up north to take on the kahuku red raiders. the number one seed was on the line, as both teams had their eyes on that and hoping to finish undefeated. A classic match that always comes down to the wire. 
COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: Talanoa Ili
YOUR 2025 September COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, presented by Matsumoto Shave Ice, IS the usc commit, Talanoa ili. Talanoa Ilis' PERFORMANCE top ranked Mater Dei would see him lifting the award. Talanoa would go on to finish the game with 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. Numbers that only one guy could do, that guy being Talanoa Ili
Kamehameha Reigns on the hill
Kamehameha and St. Louis faced off and this game had high comparisons to a possible ILH Championship match. The Warriors defense would be key in the win as they would bring home two pick sixes to help them change the tides in their direction. They hand St. Louis their first loss to a Hawai'i team since last season. 
Kamehameha Shut Down Raiders Undefeated Run
Kamehameha Kapalama and 'Iolani faced off one last time in the ILH regular season. 'Iolani were looking to continue their dominant run in league play, while Kamehameha had other plans in mind. Kalaweloleihua Chock would play spoiler in the raiders undefeated run and bring home the first win in the season series 
Waipahu and Waianae battle it out on the west coast
Two undefeated teams went head to head as the battle for the number one spot in the oia d1 standings were up for grabs. Waipahu set sail to the westside and pulled a comeback after a slow start. Marauder's titan figueroa showed out on saturday night to hand waianae thier first loss of the season.
Surfia Grounds Comes up Big in the game of the week against the Lady raiders
The top two teams in the oia east division sqaure off once again with a number one seed on the line. Surfia Grounds made her presence felt and came up big in a reverse sweep monday night. the Lady menes hand Kahuku their first loss of the season. 
Chris Henry JR Goes off against bishop Gorman
The #2 team in the country, bishop Gorman, hosts the former #1 team and current #8 powerhouse, mater dei monarchs. all eyes were on the field friday night in Las Vegas, nevada as two of the best teams in the country looked to battle it out and claim the top seed in the country. 
#1 Team in the Nation vs #1 Team in Hawai'i
The St. Louis Crusaders traveled up to California to face off with the Number one team in the nation, St. John Bosco. It would be a learning experience for the crusaders, taking on the best of the best, and St. John Bosco needed to put on a show to show the country why they're ranked at the top of the nation. 
COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: KINGSTON SILIADO
YOUR 2025 AUGUST COVER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, presented by Matsumoto Shave Ice, IS ST. LOUIS' VERY OWN, KINGSTON SILIADO. KINGSTON SILIADOS' PERFORMANCE AGAINST KAHUKU WOULD HELP THE CRUSADERS OPEN UP THE SEASON 1-0 IN A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH. THE CRUSADER WOULD SHUT OUT THE RED RAIDERS AT HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1996. KINGSTON WOULD END THE GAME WITH 13 RECEPTIONS FOR 142 RECEIVING YARDS AND ONE TOUCHDOWN IN THE CRUSADERS' OPENING WIN. 
CRUSADERS stand on business in Mililani
a rematch of last year's preseason matchup between the Mililani Trojans and st. Louis Crusaders left many fans across the state stunned. The Crusaders walked away with this match as they put on a clinic, showing everyone across the island why they're still the top team in the state. 
It's all a blur
the 12th ranked team in the country, Sierra canyon trailblazers, hosted the sons of O'ahu, the Punahou Buff-n-blue. The trailblazers coming off a combined of 98 points from their first two games, they would look to continue Thier hot offense led by Larid finkle, Tron Baker and Havon finney jr. Another goal for the trailblazers... not letting the buff-n-blue score and that would be led by defensive lineman 5 star Texas commit, Richard Wesley.
Mater Dei survives against kahuku 
going toe to toe with Goliath, The number 1 team in the country hosts the kahuku red raiders and it was a game that did not disappoint. A game that many fans were surprised to see from the outcome but was a confidence builder for the red raiders. A very close game that could've been the biggest upset. 
Bishop Gorman Hands Kahuku it's second shutout of the season
The number 3 national powerhouse of Bishop Gorman travels to Oahu and is led by qb Maika Eugenio and wr Kaina Watson. Many athletes from Bishop Gorman also make their homecoming return to the island and didn't disappoint in front of their hometown families. 
Marquette upsets Hawai'i on opening day of Hawaiian Airlines classic
The 2025 Hawaiian Airlines wahine Volleyball classic kicked off with a 3 day tournament in Manoa, as the home team, Hawai'i rainbow wahine, kicked off their opener. the teams featuring in this tournament; Marquette, San Diego, and Utah state. day 1 of the tournament would have both matches go into 5 sets. the main event of the night was Marquette upsetting the rainbow wahine on opening night after trailing down two sets. 
Hawai'i, central Arkansas, Sacramento state, & Oregon participate in Outrigger soccer kickoff 
a 2 day tournament kicked off on the island of Oahu as 4 teams wind down pre-season play before league play kicks off. The host team, Hawai'i rainbow wahine, would return home after their two road preseason games. all 4 teams look to come out victorious and start the new season off right. 
Jordan Nunuha Takes over against bishop montgomery
senior wide out, Jordan nunuha, recorded 3 touchdowns against one of teams out of the trinity league of California. despite not having a full roster for the knights of Montgomery, they would make things interesting against the state champs. 
going up and up 
Kahuku hosts kamehameha Kapalama in week 2 looking to avenge their opening season loss. we would also see the top offensive lineman in Hawaii go up against the number 3 linebacker in the country in a battle of the trenches. With many future collegiate athletes on the field for week 2, we would be in for a treat to see the best go up and up. 
Crusaders march on for state title defense
St. Louis made the long trip up to the north shore to face off with kahuku to start off their state title defense. fresh off winning his first state championship as head coach, Tupu alualu is ready to etch his name in the history books and lead the crusaders back to their winning ways. 
Kara Kaneshiro named the 116th winner of the Manoa cup Tournament
The annual Manoa cup at the Oahu country club hosted the best female golfers in the tournament. the championship round came down to former kalani graduate, kara kaneshiro and former kahuku graduate, Ava Cepeda. After trailing in the beginning, kara would make her comeback to be named the 116th Manoa cup winner. 
Liona Lefau Host third annual football clinic back at his alma mater

familiar faces and a new tradition is starting on the north shore of Oahu. Liona Lefau hosted his 3rd annual football clinic this past Saturday and it was a joy for the kids. learning from many star studded football stars at all levels of the game, it was a clinic that Lefau looks forward to every year. "it's the football season, and then, it is this, the clinic for the kids" Lefau stated. leafau gathered up his teammates from Texas and former teammates from his high school team to be instructors for the kids.