The Hilo Bronco All-Stars have taken their toll on more than just opposing pitchers at the past two PONY League state tournaments. Cars parked beyond the southernmost field at Walter Victor Stadium also bore the brunt, victims of Hilo home runs balls.
The Hilo Bronco All-Stars have taken their toll on more than just opposing pitchers at the past two PONY League state tournaments. Cars parked beyond the southernmost field at Walter Victor Stadium also bore the brunt, victims of Hilo home runs balls.
In 2013, Hilo powered its way to four wins, outscoring the competition 41-7. Last year, Hilo ran roughshod, scoring 67 runs and allowing only nine.
It’s your turn, Hilo Blue. Is a dynasty in the works?
“We’re really not talking about that,” coach Chris Honda said. “We’re just focusing on getting better.”
As PONY has made Walter Victor one of its annual state stops, the tide has started to swing decidedly in favor of the home team, even as the players have changed. Hilo will seek its fourth state title in five seasons in the ages 11-12 division, one of three tournaments that start Friday along with Broncos 11 and Mustang 9s. Of the 16 teams here, five are from the Big Island.
Kalai Rosario and Zakaia Michaels are the two holdovers from the 2014 state champ. Honda coached approximately eight of his players during the regular season on Hui Aumakua, which wonthe Kona PONY Memorial Day baseball tournament in May.
“Pitching is a bit of a question mark for us,” said Honda, who’s team drew a bye to states. “We have some pitchers that are capable, but you never know what is going to happen with 12-year-olds.”
Kona also will try to keep the title on island after it entered the eight-team field by sweeping a Hilo team at sectionals last weekend. The last time a West Hawaii 11-12 club came to states was in 2013 when it lost in the opener and then made a memorable run to the final before losing to Hilo 14-2. Last year saw an all-Hilo final, with Hilo Red winning 22-0 victory.
While Honda, a former University of Hawaii at Hilo ballplayer, isn’t packing his bags for regionals just yet, he recognizes the improving the quality of youth baseball islandwide.
“Every year, it’s getting better,” he said. “We’ve seen a lot of good coaches who have come back and given back to the community.
“It’s at another level from when I was playing.”
Shon Malani has been coaching many of his Hilo Bronco 11 players for more than half of their lives. Some were on a 2013 Mustang 9s team that took states under Malani. Kona and four teams from Oahu are also in the field.
The Big Island also will try to earn a threepeat in Mustang 9s. Hilo and Hawaii Kai play a best-of-three series.
Bronco
Friday
Kona vs. West Oahu, 8 a.m.
Hilo vs. Kauai, 11:30
Windward vs. Kapolei, 2 p.m.
Aiea vs. Maui, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
Winners bracket
Game 8: Windward-Kapolei winner vs. Aiea-Maui winner, 8 a.m.
Game 6: Kona-West Oahuwinner vs. Hilo-Kauai winner, 3:30 p.m.
Losers bracket
Game 5: Kona-West Oahu loser vs. Hilo-Kauai loser, 10:30 a.m.
Game 7: Windward-Kapolei loser vs. Aiea-Maui loser, 1 p.m.
Sunday
Losers bracket
Game 9: Game 7 winner vs. Game 6 loser vs. , 9 a.m.
Game 10: Game 5 winner vs. Game 8 loser, 11:30 a.m.
Game 11: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 2 p.m.
Monday
Semifinals
Game 12: Game 6 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 9 a.m.
Game 13: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 loser, 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday
Championship
Game 12 winner vs. Game 13 winner, 9 a.m.
Game 12 winner vs. Game 13 winner, if necessary, noon
Broncos 11
Friday
Game 1: Kona vs. Waianae, 8 a.m.
Game 2: Windward vs. West Oahu, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3: Kona-Waianae winner vs. Hilo, 2 p.m.
Gam3 4: Windward-West Oahu winner vs. Mililani, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
Semifinal
Game 8: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 1 p.m.
Losers bracket
Game 5: Game 2 loser vs. Game 3 loser, 8 a.m.
Game 6: Game 1 loser vs. Game 4 loser, 10:30 a.m.
Game 7: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 3:30 p.m.
Sunday
Semifinal
Game 9: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 9 a.m.
Championship
Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 11:30 a.m.
Monday
Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 2 p.m., if necessary
Mustang 9s
Best-of-three
Friday
Hilo vs. Hawaii Kai, 1 p.m.
Saturday
Hilo vs. Hawaii Kai, 9 a.m.
Hilo vs. Hawaii Kai, noon, if necessary