Wahine Wildcat basketball looking to be “Best of”
The Konawaena girls basketball program has been selected to be part of the USA TODAY High School Sports’ “Best Of” contest series, which features the best girls basketball programs in the country.
The contest is currently underway with 255 of America’s top programs competing. A champion will be crowned March 23 after three rounds of voting. The athletic department will receive $1,000, a banner and bragging right if the Wildcats garner the most votes.
The contest considers more than just on-court success — factoring in fan support, facilities, traditions, coaching and player development. Led by head coach Bobbie Awa, the Wildcats have captured seven consecutive BIIF titles and six state championships since 2004. Konawaena just wrapped up a 30-1 season for its most recent state banner, beating Lahainaluna 51-41 in the state championship game.
More than 3,000 schools have been involved in at least one of the contests, with past champions hailing from Virginia, Missouri, Vermont, Illinois (three times), Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Kansas.
To vote, visit contest.usatodayhss.com.
Golf tourneybenefits judo
The 14th annual Hawaii Shima Judo Kyokai Benefit Golf Tournament will be held on March 22 at the Hapuna Golf Course.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. with an 8 a.m. shotgun start.
Proceeds are used to support BIIF high school judo teams as well as judo camps and seminars featuring world-class instructors and competitors.
Golfers and sponsors are invited to help raise funds.
West Side Hawaii Little League opens registration
West Side Hawaii Little League has opened up registration for Minors (ages 9-10) Majors (11-12) and Juniors (13-14) for Kona and Waikoloa.
For more information, call Kristi at 960-8042 or email kgacayan@hawaii.rr.com.
Waikoloa Canoe Club seeks new paddlers
If your are interested in Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling, Waikoloa Canoe Club invites you to a paddling clinic at Anaeho’omalu Bay.
The events will be held on Saturday, and again March 7 and 14 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Paddlers of all skill levels are invited, from kids, novice and competitive crews.
Paddles will be provided. Please wear attire that can get wet. Basic swimming required.
Girls basketball clinic and registration in Kohala
There will be a girls basketball clinic held Saturday at Hisaoka Gym, sponsored by the Kohala Community Athletic Association.
Players can also register for the upcoming basketball season. Practice will start in mid-March and the season run until mid-May.
For more information, contact Kim at 895-1939.
Waimea Athletics holding registration for girls basketball
Waimea Athletics is now holding registration for girls basketball, ages 9-14.
The registration fee is $10, payable to Waimea Athletics. It can be paid online at waimeaathletics.org/registration or during the P&R girls basketball clinics Tuesday-Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m. at Thelma Parker Gym.
Waimea league photo and optional uniform shirt included. For info call Waimea Athletics at 640-5519 or email waimeaathletics@gmail.com.
Football combine set for March
The Hawaii Island Underclassmen Combine will be held March 21 at Waiakea High’s football field.
According to a release, the purpose of the event is to improve combine scores.
Registration is available at nucsports.com, and the fee is $40. Check-in is at 8 a.m. and the combine starts at 9 a.m.
For more information, contact Dave Cosier Jr. at 861-5507.
On the Emily T Gail Show
Guests: David Marr III, NBC/ Golf comments on The Golf Channel documentary “Uneven Fairways.” He talks about his father, Dave Marr who won the PGA Championship in 1964 and later became a broadcaster as well.
Carol Connor has nice things to say about recreational opportunities at Waikoloa Beach Resort and offers good review of “Evita” at Aloha Theatre which runs till March 15.
Winona Chen, Kona Beach and Sports talks about how she got into doing triathlons, including IRONMAN, and shares how to get started with multi sport activities.
Updates: Gail has updates on sports and recreation events including Bikeworks and PATH Run for the Hops on March 14 at BMW in Kailua-Kona, Lavaman weekend March 27-29 at Waikoloa Beach Resort, as well as Hawaii Cycling Club events and Kona Hiking volunteer days at Veterans Cemetry.
Gail’s shows are available at espnhawaii.com under the “lineup” tab, as a free podcast on iTunes, and at emilytgailtalkstory on Facebook.