‘Iolani’s Yamashiro remains heavyweight state champion in judo

‘Iolani’s Dane Yamashiro once again is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the state in two sports.

Yamashiro, a senior, won his third consecutive 285-pound title at the Atlas Insurance Agency/HHSAA Judo Championships on Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center.

“It never gets any different,” Yamashiro said. “Everyone thinks it’s easier, but the pressure is still there, the opponents are still really good no matter how good you practice.”

In the final, Yamashiro beat Kahuku’s Lennex Alo by ippon at 1:43.

“I did a harai goshi,” said Yamashiro, who has also won the last two state wrestling titles in the 285-pound division. “My senseis always tell me to pull more with my hands, circle. I’m lucky to have them in my corner.”

The Kapolei boys won their fourth consecutive team championship, despite having only five judoka qualify for Saturday’s event. Kapolei finished with 58 points, Moanalua was second with 48 and ‘Iolani placed third with 40.

Hurricanes first-year coach Jason Yamase credited predecessor Mark Narciso for “setting the tone.”

“That was a blessing,” Yamase said. “They knew how to work, they bought in and they kept it going.”

Pearl City won the girls team title with 78 points. Roosevelt, which won the previous two years, placed second with 66 and Kalani finished third with 37.

“I’m just happy. Last year, we lost by one point,” said Chargers coach Robin Puahala. “To see them come back … they were all young last year. Having them pull it out this year really means a lot to me.”

Kapolei’s Andre Pagurayan (114) and Moanalua’s Noah Wusstig (132) won their second boys state titles.

Pagurayan, a senior, won the 114 title in 2015, but finished fourth in the same weight class last year.

“From last year I fell short and I used it to try even harder this year,” he said.

On the girls side, Mililani’s Mayu Wise (122), Kahuku’s Teniya Alo (139) and Pearl City’s Jackie Fuamatu (154) claimed their second crowns.

Wise, a sophomore, faced Pearl City’s Mikayla Abe in the only final that pitted two state champions against each other. Last year, Wise won the 115 title, while Abe claimed the 109 crown.

“It was really hard. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Wise said. “Last time at OIAs (in the final won by Wise) it was really hard, so I really had to focus and fight her hard.”

Alo, a junior, won the 122 title in 2015 with ‘Iolani. She placed sixth at 129 for ‘Iolani last year.

“It feels good to finally redeem myself and getting through all my injuries,” Alo said.

There was a brother tandem from Moanalua and a sister tandem from Pearl City who took home state titles.

Noah Wusstig, a sophomore, and brother Chase Wusstig (145) won titles.

“I’m really happy. That’s what we expected and we just worked hard for it throughout the season,” said Chase, a junior.

Chase beat Na Menehune sophomore Trigg Salvador by ippon in the only final that had teammates going against each other.

“He’s been my training partner. He knows everything I’m going to do, so I had a hard time,” Chase said.

Jackie Fuamatu, a senior, and sister Jennie Fuamatu (220) claimed titles.

“All I thought about was my mom and dad. Do it for them for everything you do for me,” said Jennie, a junior.