Hernandez to coach in bowl
After just one practice, Darren Hernandez was elated.
The Kapolei football coach is in Carson, Calif., as an assistant coach for the West squad in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, which will be played Friday at the Home Depot Center.
"It was great. Even though I’ve coached a long time, you always learn something new," Hernandez said. "There are coaches from all over. Washington, California, Mississippi. I got to meet them and exchange ideas."
Hernandez is assisting with running backs and wide receivers, and one of the pass catchers is all-state receiver Jeremy Tabuyo of Saint Louis.
"I’ve never met him until now. It was awesome to meet him and talk story," Hernandez said. "Being invited to this game is a great honor. I told them if they need a coach from Hawaii every year, I’d be happy to volunteer."
Kaimuki’s Lauvao puts up numbers
Despite a badly sprained right ankle, Kaimuki senior Princess Lauvao appears to be already in midseason form.
The 5-foot-8 swingman scored 39 points in a wild 77-71 overtime win at Kalaheo, a season high for all high school girls basketball players in the state. Her previous high was 36 points in a win at Kalani on Dec. 12.
Nearly three weeks ago, Lauvao had 22 points, eight boards, six steals and five blocks in a loss to Kahuku. She suffered a bruised elbow in that battle.