Warriors dominate

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

Kamehameha's Jacob Luning-Hoshino controlled Sean Chan of 'Iolani to help the Warriors win both their duals last night.

Moving up in weight hasn't been a problem for Jacob Luning-Hoshino.

The Kamehameha wrestler and two-time state champion dominated two foes in the 140-pound weight class yesterday in Interscholastic League of Honolulu dual-meet action at 'Iolani.

After pinning his first opponent, he won by majority decision against 'Iolani's Sean Chan. With the two wins, Luning-Hoshino improved to 13-0 this winter.

Kamehameha beat Pac-Five 46-24 and turned back 'Iolani 44-21. In other duals, Saint Louis beat Damien 37-36, Punahou beat 'Iolani 51-6 and Pac-Five beat Damien 42-24.

Luning-Hoshino's transition to a heavier weight class wasn't too difficult. He played football at 150 pounds in the fall. Dropping weight -- he hit the scale at 137.8 pounds yesterday, Kamehameha coach Chris West said -- isn't a problem either.

"If I want to gain weight, I just lift weights," he said.

With Luning-Hoshino moving to 140, Kamehameha's other two-time state champ, Shayden Terukina, went from 130 to 135.

The strength Luning-Hoshino developed in the weight room is one of his weapons. He's trying to master the "fireman's carry" move -- lifting an opponent to shoulder level, parallel to the mat. This arsenal of skills is part of the reason why Punahou coach Jimmy Takatsuka enjoys watching the senior.

"Shayden gets a lot of attention, but Jacob is underrated," Takatsuka said.

Like Luning-Hoshino, Terukina won his matches yesterday to remain unbeaten. West has urged his two champions to help set the bar high.

"Jacob has always been an example in the (wrestling) room, but I've asked both of them to be more vocal. That's hard at that age. They were both resistant at first," West said. "But Jacob has really taken a leadership role."

During the past week, lethargic effort in the room led the two to enforce some minor discipline.

"It's easy to sit back and beat everybody, but they both decided two times in two days to take 'em to the stairs," West said of the trail of steps that lead uphill from Keawe Gym to Kekuhaupio Gym.

Among the other strong performers yesterday was 'Iolani's Ian Akamine, who pinned both of his foes.