MEDIA RELEASE
Three-hundred eighteen youth, ages 5 to 14, participated in the 35th Annual Hawaiʻi Police Activities League (HI-PAL) 2015 Winter Basketball Classic Tournament held December 26-29 in Hilo. A total of 36 teams participated in the six divisions with games played at the Edith Kanakaʻole Indoor Tennis Stadium, Andrews Gym, Hilo Armory and Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium.
Hoop Dreams claimed the Boys 14-and-Under championship with a convincing 57-24 victory over Wailuku Wolfpack. Kiaʻi Apele and Kaupena Yasso led Hoop Dreams with 12 points each. Kaukahi Alameda and Keawe Silva added 10 points each in a balanced attack. Nash Chaney led the Wolfpack with 6 points. Members of the champion Hoop Dreams team included Apele, Alameda, Silva, Yasso, Izayah Chartrand, Kilohana Haasenritter and Keegan Scanlan.
Kona Stingrays ran past Olaʻa Thunder 31-11 for third place.
In the Girls 14-and-Under division, Stray-Kats edged Kona Stingrays 38-33 to win the championship. Kelsie Imai scored 14 and Nique Pacheco added 13 to lead the winners. Anastasia Tuifua scored 8 for the runners-up. Members of the champion Stray-Kats included Imai, Pacheco, Bethany Honma, Kayla Iwata, Keeli Smith, Michelle Vintero and Jaeda Yamasaki.
Honokaʻa edged NSP 20-19 for third place.
In the Boys 12-and-Under finals, Kasen Mehau hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Man Up a thrilling 48-45 championship game victory over Shut D. Mehau led Man Up with 16 points and RJ Solmerin added 13. Shesley Martinez poured in 22 points and Keiza Tre Walker added 10 for Shut D. Members of the champion Man Up squad included Mehau, Solmerin, Jazelle Dorser, Justin Dorser, Dylan Honda, Brock Malani, Caroson Kawaguchi, Dorian Kuamoo and Spencer Yoshizumi.
NSP defeated Wailuku Wolfpack 27-19 for third place.
Man Up also claimed the Boys 10-and-Under title with a 30-12 win over NSP. Jason Mandaquit Jr. led Man Up with 13 points and Peyton Pana added 12. Layden Kauka led NSP with 7. Members of the Man Up championship team included Madaquit, Isaiah Dagupion, Jaiden Gabriel, Landyr Ishii, Clemson Julian, Kawika Lyons, Brayden Malani, Jaety Mandaquit, Jaziah Oili, and Peyton Pana.
B-Elite finished third.
In the Girls 10-and-Under division, Kalakaua edged Fly Girls 21-18 to claim the championship. Keilani Stewart and Summer Wong led Kalakaua with 6 points each. Faith Grover tallied 7 for Fly Girls. Members of the champion Kalakaua team include Stewart and Wong, Ava Ahokoui, Maile Bellevou, Davina Li, Rebekah Lum Kee, Ashley Tom and Renee Yadao.
In the 8-and-Under division, Alakaʻi defeated NSP 20-19 in the championship finals. Kingston Lee led Alakaʻi with 12 points. Members of the champion Alakaʻi team included Lee, Kahiau Alcoran, Kolt Baptista, AJ Blanco, Kekane Manuia, Malachi McCloud and Kanoa Pabre.
Keaʻau Chargers ran past Panaewa Kamaliʻi 31-4 for third place.
“HI-PAL would like to congratulate all the participants and thank all the coaches, players and fans for upholding the HI-PAL principals of sportsmanship, friendship and goodwill,†said tournament director Officer Matthew Kaaihue. “We hope to see everyone back next year.â€
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