By MATT GERHART
By MATT GERHART
Tribune-Herald sports writer
Kamehameha coach Dan Lyons is about to enter a new era. For once, he won’t be coaching one of his daughters on the Warriors’ water polo team.
Not that the father of four expects today’s Big Island Interscholastic Federation opener to feel much different. In fact, even without two-time BIIF Player of the Year Ryenn Lyons, the coach doesn’t think the rest of the league will notice much difference in the Warriors either.
In a landscape in which many teams are rebuilding, Kamehameha doesn’t expect to miss a beat.
“We’ve lost good players every year,” the coach said, “but we’ve been fortunate to have some really good players step in. I think our program’s expectations are to be as good as we’ve ever been.”
Spurred by Ryenn Lyons — who scored a BIIF-best 52 goals last season from the 2-meter position —and Kiana Krzyska, Kamehameha outscored the competition 180-78 in going undefeated in the BIIF for a second straight season.
The Warriors usually have had a Lyons to rely on at center. Kanoe Lyons was a two-time league Player of the Year in her own right, and her sister Sydney also played the position.
Before that, Dan Lyons also coached daughter Cassie at Waiakea.
Sydney Plunkett inherits the 2-meter duties this season. The junior started at attacker last year and scored 28 goals, and provided a physical presence when she subbed Lyons.
“She has every bit of the ability that Ryenn has, and will demand as much attention to try and shut her down,” the coach said. “She’s bigger and stronger than Ryenn was. She’ll be everything we need her to be this year. We expect her to fill those shoes.”
He’s not even sure that Kamehameha will have to replace its best player. Krzyska, a senior attacker who scored 47 goals last season working mostly from the perimeter, is the Warriors’ most versatile player and can shoot accurately with either hand. Krzyska will play some 2-meter and can even play goalie in a pinch, though sophomore Kelly Fitzgerald will start in net for the Warriors.
Versatile junior Paula Imoto also is likely to take on a larger role offensively this season, as will senior Alexia Osburn and sophomore Acacia Trusdell.
As far as shutting down other teams, Lyons calls replacing 2-meter defender Emma Petner the team’s toughest task, though he has a bevy of options.
Junior Kaelynne Manoho will get first crack at guarding opposing centers, as will freshman Pua Wong, sophomore Tori Hiro and junior Michelle Fratinardo.
While Dan Lyons may not have a daughter to coach anymore, he has plenty of firepower on offense and depth on defense.
“On a daily basis, I don’t notice (not having daughters playing),” Lyons said. “We’re ahead of where we’ve been in the past. Better shape this year, better legs. We were one of the top teams in the state (fourth) last season, and I think we can be that again with a lot of hard work.”