Kaimuki Claims OIA Division II Boys Basketball Title with 59–38 Win Over Waiʻanae

HONOLULU – The Kaimuki Bulldogs delivered a composed, wire-to-wire performance Wednesday night to capture the OIA Division II boys basketball championship, pulling away from Waiʻanae for a decisive 59–38 victory at Jim Alegre Gymnasium.

Kaimuki set the tone early, opening the game on a 19–10 first-quarter run and never looking back. The Bulldogs continued to apply steady pressure on both ends of the floor, extending the lead to 35–19 by halftime and holding Waiʻanae to single-digit scoring in the second and third quarters.

Kaimuki senior guard Manduy Pham puts up a jumper against Wai’anae in the first half of the OIA championship game. | Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

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Elijah Fritz-Betiru led a balanced Bulldogs attack with 11 points, while Manduy Pham added 14 points and Hilton Edward chipped in nine. Kaimuki’s defense proved just as effective, forcing turnovers and limiting Waiʻanae to 20.0 percent shooting from the field and 3-of-19 from three-point range.

The Seariders were paced by Herman Ellis, who scored six points, while Janzen Butay and Josten Figueroa each added four. Despite battling on the glass, Waiʻanae struggled to generate consistent offense against Kaimuki’s disciplined half-court defense.

Kaimuki head coach Greydon Espinda gets his team settled in the huddle during the fourth quarter. | Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Kaimuki outscored Waiʻanae 13–7 in the third quarter to put the game firmly out of reach, then closed out the championship with a controlled fourth quarter that highlighted the Bulldogs’ depth and poise.

The title marks Kaimuki’s third OIA Division II championship in the past five seasons, further cementing head coach Greydon Espinda’s run as one of the most successful stretches in program history. Under Espinda, the Bulldogs have now claimed OIA D-II crowns in 2022, 2024, and 2026.

Fun Factory VIP of the Game: Hilton Edward

Senior Hilton Edward was named the Fun Factory VIP of the Game, capping off a championship night that blended production, leadership, and pride in the Bulldogs’ program. Edward finished with nine points and helped anchor Kaimuki’s defensive effort as the Bulldogs pulled away in the second half.

Edward credited the Bulldogs’ chemistry for the dominant performance, saying the key was simply to “work together, play together,” noting that this time around Kaimuki “played harder, tried harder, and actually played well together”.

The senior also pointed to preparation as a difference-maker, explaining that Kaimuki’s outside shooting reflected what the team consistently works on in practice. On the defensive end, Edward emphasized the Bulldogs’ focus on tightening up late to protect the lead.

For Edward, the championship carried special meaning. “It means a lot because now I can leave the school with something,” he said, as Kaimuki brought another OIA Division II title back to the ‘Dawg Pound’.

Kaimuki big man Hilton Edward blocks a shot attempt by Wai’anae in the second half. | Photo: Daniel Fujita, special to HSRN

Top Performers

Kaimuki Bulldogs

• ManDuy Pham – Led all scorers with 14 points, providing steady offense throughout the night.

• Elijah Fritz-Betiru – Finished with 11 points, including timely baskets that helped Kaimuki extend its lead in the second half.

• Hilton Edward – Added 9 points and anchored a Bulldogs defense that limited Waiʻanae to 38 points.

• Russell Kinere – Contributed 4 points, 5 rebounds, and strong interior defense, helping control the paint.

Waiʻanae Seariders

• Herman Ellis – Team-high 6 points, battling through a tough shooting night.

• Janzen Butay – Scored 4 points and provided defensive energy on the perimeter.

• Josten Figueroa – Added 4 points and worked on the glass despite Kaimuki’s size advantage.

Kaimuki’s balanced scoring and defensive discipline proved decisive, with multiple players contributing on both ends as the Bulldogs pulled away early and never relinquished control.

What’s Next

Both teams advance to the HHSAA Boys Basketball State Championships in Division II.

• First Round: Wednesday, February 11

• Semifinals: Thursday, February 12

• Championship: Friday, February 13 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL LASQUERO