LIHUE — The Waiakea High School boys golf team finished Round One of the HHSAA State Championship in the top standing, shooting 19 over par for a 307 total gross on Thursday at Wailua Golf Course on Kaua‘i.
The Warriors are vying for their first boys team state champion title since 2003. Wailua was also the site of the Warriors’ first ever team championship victory in 1983, one year before Alika Toledo — who has since become WHS’ head coach — became the state individual champion and led Waiakea to a second straight team championship title.
96 individual golfers and ten teams took part in this year’s competiton.
“Leading the first round feels alright,” Toledo said. “The boys know that they didn’t play to their potential. We have stuff to work on, parts of our game need our attention. As we speak, we’re on the range hitting golf balls.”
Defending champion Maui Prep trailed in second place, carding 315 (27 over).
Anson Cabello of Kamehameha Schools – Maui won the first round, shooting 72 (even par).
“We dont’ even think about the other teams,” Toledo said. “Like I always say, the competition is between ourselves. That hasn’t changed. The leader’s at even par — so this course is not playing easy, it’s a good test for us.”
Junior Noah Otani led Waiakea, placing fifth for the first round — shooting 2 over to gross 75.
Not far behind were Waiakea’s Dysen Park and Jake Otani, who each shot 77 (5 over) to land in eighth and tenth place, respectively. Their teammate, Ryder Ng, carded 78 (6 over) to finish the day at No. 14.
Kevin Yamashita and Austin Rabenneck of Kealakehe both shot 82 (10 over), respectively placing No. 29 and No. 30. Teammate Xander Broderson carded 85 (13 over) to place No. 41. Kealakehe High School stands at No. 6 after Round One.
Hilo High School’s Tyler Maag shot 86 (14 over) to place No. 47, and Hawai‘i Prep’s Matty Inaba carded the same score to place No. 48.
Noah Okazaki, of the Waveriders, placed No. 53 — carding 87 (15 over).
Mike Lopez brought up the rear for Waiakea, shooting 88 (16 over) to place No. 59.
Hilo’s Darrel Ramos Jr. (+17, 89) placed No. 63 and teammate Iakona Manuia (+18, 90) placed No. 67.
Kealakehe’s Tristin LaFlamme (+23, 95) placed No. 83, followed by HPA’s Parker Smithson (+24, 96) at No. 87.
Competition will conclude in the early afternoon today, when the champions will be announced.
FULL ROUND ONE TEAM STANDINGS
1. Waiakea High School (+19, 307)
2. Maui Prep (+27, 315)
3. Moanalua High School (+30, 318)
4. Punahou School (+36, 324)
5. Hawaii Baptist Academy (+38, 326)
6. Kealakehe High School (+48, 336)
7. Kalani High School (+65, 353)
8. Kalaheo High School (+72, 360)
9. Mililani High Shool (+77, 365)
10. Island School (+80, 368)