Kamehameha sweeps ‘Iolani

A long week at the Longy Okimoto Tournament did little to wear out the Kamehameha Warriors.

If anything, that trek to the tourney title sharpened the hungry, fourth-ranked Warriors, who swept No. 6 ‘Iolani 25-22, 25-13 on Tuesday night. A crowd of about 250 at Kekuhaupio Gym saw Cullen Mosher crank out 10 kills, while Azaraiah Distajo and Scott Harrison had three blocks apiece as the Warriors dominated the net with a 7-0 edge.

"We let them stay in the first game. The second game, we played better, more efficient," Kamehameha coach Kainoa Downing said. "They didn’t do anything bad to hurt themselves and we didn’t do anything to take it. The second game, we did good things to take it from them."

It was the Interscholastic League of Honolulu regular-season opener for both teams. Kamehameha went 18-2 (by sets) in the Okimoto tourney to win the title. ‘Iolani came into the match having finished second at the Seabury Hall tournament. The Raiders’ lone defeat was to tourney winner La Jolla (Calif.).

"Kamehameha is better than La Jolla," first-year ‘Iolani varsity coach Carl Rallitta said. "They’re a quality team. This was a good barometer for us."

Co-captain Mosher was a crusher in a very efficient way, getting his 10 kills in just 19 attempts (.526). Setter Puna Kaniho, the other co-captain, was precise with 26 assists, a kill, an ace and a block. As a team, the Warriors hit .458 as Kaniho utilized his weapons.

"Puna did a great job distributing the ball, and that’s key for me, how he sets up each play to make the next one better," Downing said.

Nick Ng tallied seven kills, while Distajo had six. Chris Wise had two aces and Mike Horita anchored the back row. The lineup is mostly jumping jacks between 6-foot-3 and 6-6.

"Distajo is a beast and Cullen is our man. He had a tough year last year," Downing said. "He didn’t have everything there after his mother passed away. It was on his mind all year."

Tane Rose Puamohala Wailehua-Mosher died of pancreatic cancer before last season began. More than a year removed from his mom’s death, Mosher is more dedicated than ever.

"My goal is to make her proud of me. I’m playing in her memory," he said. "That’s why I’m playing this year. My mom was a big part of my life in everything I do. She was a Kamehameha graduate."

Micah Goshi led ‘Iolani with 10 kills. Andrew Okimura added five kills and Travis Cundiff tallied four for the visitors, who hit .333.

Kamehameha couldn’t shake the Raiders in the opening set despite dropping four aces. The set was tied at 21 before Distajo pounded a kill at the middle, then came up with a block. Kaniho’s tip for a kill set up game point, and Distajo roofed Okimura to end the set.

Kamehameha’s serve toughened up in the second set. Though the Warriors had just one ace in the second, they hit their marks more consistently.

‘Iolani was within 8-5 when the Warriors went on an 8-0 run, capped by consecutive blocks by Harrison. The Raiders chipped away and got within 19-12 after a kill by Cundiff, but Kamehameha put the match away with a 6-1 run.

The Raiders have a lot to look forward to based on the first set.

"I’m real optimistic knowing we didn’t really play good. We were more consistent on Maui (at the Seabury Hall tournament). We couldn’t get into our flow because of ball control, and some of that is because of Kamehameha," said Rallitta, who coached ‘Iolani’s JV Black team last year.

He stepped in for Mike Among, who stepped down to spend more time with his family.

"Everything’s totally different now, from top to bottom," Rallitta said. "The speed of our offense absolutely needs a good first touch. When we have a sense of urgency to our pace, then you can see what we can do. The boys are in their spots, but right now, we’re just not executing."

The ILH promises to be another ruthless series of battles.

"Hopefully, we’ll do good," Kamehameha’s Mosher said. "It’ll be very competitive. My goal is that we become stronger as a team. I believe we can win it if we play together."