Honokaa coasted while Ka’u needed a comeback. ADVERTISING Honokaa coasted while Ka’u needed a comeback. The Big Island Interscholastic Federation volleyball teams took different paths Thursday night in Honolulu to get to the same destination: the Hawaii High School Athletic
Honokaa coasted while Ka’u needed a comeback.
The Big Island Interscholastic Federation volleyball teams took different paths Thursday night in Honolulu to get to the same destination: the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division II semifinals.
At Farrington High School, Cameron Enriques smashed 22 kills as the Trojans rallied to defeat Aiea 16-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-5.
Larry-Dan Al-Navarro added seven kills and five digs, Anthony Emmsley-Ah Yee posted six kills, and Brian Gascon finished with four kills and 28 assists for the BIIF champion Trojans (8-6).
Third-seeded Ka’u will face second-seeded Seabury Hall in 5 p.m. semifinal at Farrington. The Maui Interscholastic League champion Spartans swept Hanalani 25-16, 25-19, 25-17 in their quarterfinal.
Lehre Vidal served four of Ka’u’s 11 aces, and Enriques and Chance Emmsley-Ah Yee each had two.
The BIIF runner-up Dragons (9-5) dispatched top-seeded Kapaa with relative ease at McKinley High School, winning 25-20, 25-23, 26-24.
Chance Salva put down 17 kills, Shyrome Batin posted nine and Cjay Carvalho added seven.
The difference, coach Shelton Kalilikani said, was defensive effort led by middle blocker Cody Lindsey (five kills, four blocks), Makana Loo (40 assists) and libero Elzer Maltezo.
“Fans of other teams were coming up to me after the game and congratulating me on our defense,” Kalilikane said. “This is the best I’ve ever seen us play.”
Honokaa meets three-time defending state champion Hawaii Baptist at 7 p.m. today in the semifinals at Farrington. The Eagles (11-2), who won the Interscholastic League of Honolulu this season, beat Kailua 25-12, 25-13, 25-12.
Honokaa was making its first state appearance since Kalilkane led them to Honolulu as a senior in 2008, but the Dragons accomplished something their coach never could as a player.
Setter Loo fueled a balanced attack against Kauai Interscholastic Federation champion Kapaa as Honokaa earned its first triumph in the winners’ bracket at states in Division II.
Jordan Asia Juan and Wayne Vaoga each compiled four kills.
“Makana found our hitters so they could expose our opponent’s weaknesses,” Kalilikane said.
