The Hilo High School boys tennis team completed an undefeated season with a 4-1 victory over third-seeded Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) to win the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Team Championship on April 26 at the Halai Courts in Hilo.
The Vikings, under first-year head coach Kari Hock and assistant coach Nick Tran, returned the BIIF team title to Hilo High for the first time since 2017. The team advanced to the finals after a dominant 5-0 sweep of Konawaena in the semifinal round on April 24.
The championship roster includes: Bryan Assi, Anan Daniels, Aiden Carvalho-Fukunaga, Ben Yamaki, Kaeo Mendoza, Kaiden Alip, Raiden Santos-Abalos, Noor Shehata, Jake Tokuuke, Anwar Genz, Eli Yamaki, and Kensuke Panek.
In even more exciting news for the Hilo program, Bryan Assi captured the HHSAA Boys Singles State Championship on Saturday in Lahaina. His remarkable run through the state tournament capped a historic week for Hilo High boys tennis and underscored the strength of the program.
No. 1 seed Assi beat third-seeded Brandon Ramos of Punahou in the championship match — 6-1, 6-1.
“It meant the world to me to finally become a state champ,” Assi told the paper. “It is something that I have wanted to do since I was a little kid, and getting it done took a huge weight off my shoulders.
“I would especially like to thank my mom and dad, who have spent countless hours on the court with me just so I can achieve my goals. Thank you also to everyone who has supported me along the way, because it simply would not have been possible without them.”
With both the BIIF team title and a state singles championship, 2025 marked one of the most successful seasons in Hilo High boys tennis history.
As a team at states, the Vikings boys placed third overall with nine total points. Punahou won both the boys and girls team titles.
Waiakea senior Kiora Kunimoto also made the Big Island proud on Maui. As a No. 1 seed, Kunimoto beat second-seeded Mami Daysog from Roosevelt to clinch the girls singles title. Her win awarded the Warriors five points, helping the team finish second overall.
Having completed her fourth state tournament, Kunimoto was grateful for her tennis journey throughout high school.
“Tennis has been such a huge part of my life, and being able to finish the season winning a state championship is truly special,” Kunimoto reflected. “I’m deeply honored to have represented Waiakea High School, and to bring this title home to the Big Island.
“I’m extremely thankful for my coaches who have guided me every step of the way, and to my family, who’ve been my biggest supporters through it all. I also want to thank my teammates for making my last season a fun and memorable one. This victory isn’t just mine, it belongs to everyone who supported and stood by me throughout this journey. I’m so grateful for every single person who helped me get here.”
In girls doubles, the Buffanblu’s third-seeded pair of Mia Tom and Sophia Howell beat Waiakea’s No. 2-seeded pair of Sola Bando and Annika Nishida by scores of 6-2, 7-6. If the results were flipped, the Lady Warriors would have won the girls team title.
The official team results with point totals can be found below.
Boys
1. Punahou – 27
2. Iolani – 19
3. Hilo – 9
T4. Kaiser – 4
T4. Moanalua – 4
T6. Baldwin – 2
T6. University Lab – 2
T6. Waiakea – 2
T9. Maui – 1
T9. Kealakehe – 1
T9. Pearl City – 1
T9. Castle – 1
T9. Waipahu – 1
T9. Seabury Hall – 1
T9. HPA -1
T9. Kalani – 1
T9. Kalaheo – 1
Girls
1. Punahou – 22
2. Waiakea – 20
T3. Iolani – 7
T3. Iolani – 7
5. Kalaheo – 5
6. Mililani – 4
T7. Kalani – 2
T7. Maui – 2
T7. HPA – 2
T7. St. Andrews Priory – 2
T11. Aiea -1
T11. Seabury Hall – 1
T11. Kaiser – 1
T11. Kauai – 1
T11. University Lab – 1
