While Konawaena’s dynasty has an iron-fisted grasp of girls basketball statewide, the boys’ hardwood battles are providing fans with plenty of parity.

Top 10 elite, such as Kamehameha and Punahou, have healthy competition, but on a slightly broader scale, teams like University have made things interesting. The Junior Rainbows, like several teams through nonconference play, have found success despite a lack of superior height. Coach Walt Quitan’s team is 10-1 with wins over other overachieving squads like McKinley, Kaimuki and Pearl City. Last week, the Jr. ’Bows lost to Waipahu by a point, but also upset No. 6 Moanalua — a talented, but young team.

Now UHS has only seven players available for Moanalua’s Na Menehune Holiday Classic, which began Monday.

“The main thing I was worried about moving back up to D-I was injuries because of our depth as a small school,” Quitan said. “Unfortunately, we now have lost all four of our post players to various injuries. It’s part of the game and we have to adjust.”

More hoops galore

The St. Francis Merv Lopes Classic tips off on Wednesday at Manoa District Park Gym.

Top-ranked Kamehameha heads the field, which also includes D-II powerhouse Farrington, fast-rising Kalaheo and burgeoning young squads like Leilehua, Saint Louis and host St. Francis.

No. 2 Punahou, coming off the championship at its Invitational tournament, is in Poway, Calif., today to play in the MaxPreps Holiday Classic.