Just three years ago, the Farrington Governors were one of the best teams in the OIA.

They just happened to be stuck in Division II, and they went on to win a state crown in the 2010-11 season.

This year, the Govs are in prime position to make a statement in D-I. Farrington got 20 points from Jacob McEnroe in a 58-38 win over Pearl City in the opening round of the James Alegre Invitational at Radford High School.

"What I like about this group, we play together. We support each other," Farrington coach Allan Silva said of his team, which is 2-0 in preseason.

McEnroe, a 6-foot-3 senior, was a force in the paint and in transition as the Govs broke open a close game to start the second half.

"There’s more defense this year, more (fullcourt) pressuring. I think we’ll get used to it," said McEnroe, who was also a standout on the football field as a cornerback.

He didn’t do it alone, though. Farrington’s fullcourt pressure capitalized on Pearl City miscues.

A post-up bucket by Seu Luafatasaga, a drive to the cup by McEnroe and a couple of layups on the break by Isaiah Visoria opened the second half. After Van Hugo drained a 3 from the left wing, the Govs led 37-20 with 5:01 to go in the third quarter.

Pearl City got no closer than 12 the rest of the way.

Eric Dela Pena, a senior guard, had eight points for Pearl City, which has a half-dozen or so first-year seniors on the roster.

"We’ve got to work on transition defense, blocking out and just playing aggressive," longtime coach Lionel Villarmia said. "They do it in practice."

Pearl City has three bigs in the 6-2 to 6-4 range.

"Those three are juniors," Villarmia noted. "It’s going to take time."

Tua Unutoa had seven points for Farrington. Visoria and Hugo chipped in with six points apiece.

The Govs have depth, allowing Silva to rotate five in and out throughout the game. Pearl City had its best success against Farrington’s reserves.

"Pearl City, the first half, very scrappy. They have a big guy, I liked him. And No. 25, he’s money. You leave him alone, he sinks that shot," Silva said.

Farrington has size, speed and experience. Visoria, a transfer from Roosevelt, is an athletic 5-10 combo guard with range. Mason Semisi, a burly 6-5 senior post, is a lefty like McEnroe. Uber-quick Isaiah Smith and Hugo, the zone buster, bring valuable experience to the backcourt. For now, the Govs look like a title contender.

"Whatever it takes us, I’m hoping. Can’t be cocky about it," McEnroe said.