The 2024 Central Pacific Bank/Big Island Interscholastic Association Division II boys volleyball playoffs begin today, as four teams — all of which happen to be from the isle’s north side — will clash in the first round tonight in Waimea.
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No. 5 PARKER vs. No. 8 KANU
At Waimea District Park, No. 5 Parker School (6-4) will take on cross-town rival No. 8 Kanu ‘o ka ‘Aina PCS (3-7) for Kanu’s first-ever BIIF playoff appearance.
The Bulls and Kanu haven’t played against each other in nearly two whole months, as they faced off in a season-opening matchup on Feb. 26 — which the Bulls won in straight sets of 25-16, 25-19 and 25-11.
Kanu will enter tonight’s matchup riding a three-win streak that, in less than two weeks, launched it from the cellar of BIIF DII into the No. 8 standing — as the red, black and gold defeated Makua Lani Christian, Christian Liberty Academy and Ka ‘Umeke Ka‘eo PCS in order.
The Bulls have been fairly dominant this season, and stayed sompetitive against the top four teams — despite losing to them. Three of Parker’s four losses — versus Pahoa, Ka‘u and Kohala — were in five sets.
The winner of the matchup will advance to face No. 4 Kohala High on Saturday morning in Kapa‘au.
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No. 6 HPA vs. No. 7 HONOKA‘A
It hasn’t been long since the last time Ka Makani (5-5) and the Dragons (3-7) faced off. In fact, it will be the second time in exactly a week.
Hawaii Preparatory Academy hosted Honoka‘a last Thursday, and swept the Dragons in fairly close sets of 25-18, 25-23 and 25-21.
Ka Makani will look to make tonight its third win within the week, as HPA also beat Ka ‘Umeke in its season finale on Friday.
Hawaii Prep has otherwise been hot and cold this season, bouncing between short winning and losing streaks to end the season at an even .500.
Honoka‘a is proof that every game matters, no matter what point in the season — as the Dragons mounted a 3-1 start to the year, but have lost six in a row since the start of April. Thanks to its win against Kanu in March, Honoka‘a got the upper hand in a tiebreaker to secure the No. 7 seed.
The winner of the matchup will have to get up very early on Saturday and make the haul to Pahala for a 10 a.m. quarterfinal game against No. 3 Ka‘u High.