Savaiinaea a Butkus high school finalist

Punahou linebacker Isaac Savaiinaea was named a Butkus Award high school finalist.

Savaiinaea is one of five high school finalists for the award, which honors the top linebacker in the nation.

The Butkus Award is also given to the top college linebacker in the nation, and Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o, a former Punahou star, is one of five finalists.

Savaiinaea and his Buffanblu teammates play Kahuku in the state Division I championship game Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.

Te’o and his Fighting Irish teammates are trying to make it to the BCS title game.

The Butkus Award winners will be announced in early December.

Western New Mexico edges UHH in hoops

Lucio Luttrell scored 12 points to lead Western New Mexico past Hawaii-Hilo in men’s basketball Tuesday night in Hilo.

Merle Branch grabbed 11 rebounds for the Mustangs (1-3).

Paul Bautasa scored 10 points for the Vulcans (1-3).