As nine BIIF schools wrapped up play against each other Saturday at the Waiakea girls volleyball tournament, Konawaena was elsewhere, competing at an Oahu tournament.
That sounded about right to Honokaa coach Mike Fernandez, well aware that the Division II pecking order appears to be the Wildcats at the top – with everyone else fighting for second best.
“I don’t know why they didn’t go Division I,” said Fernandez, who called the talent level for the two-time HHSAA Division II champions “ridiculous.”
Hawaii Prep coach Sharon Peterson has never worried about being the favorite, nor has it mattered much as she’s guided Ka Makani to nine consecutive state tournaments. The veteran coach also isn’t losing any sleep about having to move on without Gabbie Ewing, a former Player of the Year at outside hitter.
“We’re not trying to replace her,” Peterson said. “I haven’t even thought about replacing her. This team has a different dynamic. We just need to bring these girls along as quick as possible.”
A few coaches at the Waiakea tournament took note of HPA’s improved size at the net, even at setter with freshman Laurie McGrath.
“We do have height,” Peterson said. “Not enough for me, but it’s better.
“Laurie shows a lot of promise.”
Peterson may not be looking to replace Ewing, but she will need to replace her swings. Sophomore Madi Lee takes over as Ka Makani’s No. 1 hitting option, and seniors Haley Dow, McKenzie Stake and Amanda Smrke also also will get their fair share of sets.
Peterson is also excited about the potential of Kaui Taylor. The senior is still learning the game, but the HHSAA high jump champion has athleticism to burn.
Joining the five Division I schools in the Red division during the 16-game regular season are Konawaena, HPA, Pahoa and Kohala, and the latter three likely will take their share of lumps.
However, Peterson and Pahoa coach Precious Salazar were excited about the prospect of facing several tough challenges en route to the Division II tournament.
The Daggers, who last reached states in 2013, must replace Erleen Oguma but return much of their roster after reaching the BIIF semifinals last season. Tapenga Orevillo earned MVP honors Saturday as the Daggers won the Silver division, and Daecee Subia is one of the top servers in Division II.
“I think we learned that we have some strengths that we can use,” Salazar said. “Some weaknesses, too.”
Fernandez won’t have to worry about playing Konawaena during the regular season. Honokaa ended its state drought last season, but after losing seven seniors Fernandez was OK with the Dragons being placed in the Blue division.
With 17 schools playing varsity, the BIIF went back to the two-division format. Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science is fielding a varsity team in volleyball for the first time, and after combining as East-Pac the past few years, St. Joseph and Christian Liberty are striking it out on their own this season.
“I think it’s awesome that all the schools can play,” Fernandez said.
Honokaa had 36 players turn out for volleyball, and Fernandez said most were “green behind the ears.”
Junior Leilani Pupuhi returns at outside hitter, middles Randy Iona and Delsey Vaimauga also have varsity experience, as does right-side hitter Marche Matsumura. Vaimauga was first-team all-Silver bracket for Honokaa, which fell to Pahoa in the semifinals.
“It will be a building process for us,” Fernandez said.
Before beating Honokaa on three sets, the Daggers took care of Ka’u in straight sets. The Trojans are coming off of a six-win season and have missed on states the past two years.
Toni Beck is gone, but Jami Beck made all-Silver team.