Kalaheo Captures OIA Division II Girls Flag Football Title in Thriller Over Kapolei

Kalaheo Captures OIA Division II Girls Flag Football Title in Thriller Over Kapolei

May 6, 2026

Kalaheo Captures OIA Division II Girls Flag Football Title in Thriller Over Kapolei

In a game that felt fitting for a championship stage, Kalaheo rallied late to defeat previously unbeaten Kapolei, 28-25, to capture the OIA Division II Girls Flag Football championship on Tuesday night.

The Mustangs outscored the Hurricanes 13-7 in the fourth quarter, making just enough plays down the stretch to secure not only the school’s first football league championship — flag or tackle — but also a historic milestone for the program in only the second year of girls flag football in Hawai‘i.

Because the inaugural 2025 season featured just one division, Kalaheo officially becomes the first-ever OIA Division II girls flag football champion.

Kapolei entered the title game undefeated and looked every bit the part early behind quarterback Taimane Amisone, who threw for 281 yards and four touchdowns. But Kalaheo answered every challenge in a back-and-forth battle that ultimately came down to composure in the final minutes.

“Our girls really deserve this, they worked really hard for this,” Kalaheo head coach Jaymason Lee said after the game. “They’re a really good team. They’re the number one ranked undefeated team. So we knew we had to play our football. We couldn’t let the moment get too big for us.”

Kapolei struck first in the second quarter on a 23-yard touchdown pass from Amisone to Kaylyce Kauwe before Kalaheo answered less than 90 seconds later with a 37-yard touchdown connection from Jourdyn Kekauoha-Viena to Kamaile Hassett.

The offensive fireworks continued throughout the night.

Amisone connected twice with Infinitiz Galeano-Soares for touchdowns, while Ziah-Lei Mullen-Cummings also hauled in a scoring pass for Kapolei. Kauwe finished with a game-high 10 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

Kalaheo countered with balance and clutch execution.

Quarterback Elizabeth Kennedy, who was named the Fun Factory VIP of the Game, threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for another score. Kekauoha-Viena added a touchdown pass and caught 10 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns in a dynamic all-around performance.

Dalanie Stroney added five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown for the Mustangs.

“It feels amazing,” Kennedy said. “Our team is well deserved. We worked so hard for this. We worked all season for this, but it’s not over yet. We still get states.”

After Kapolei took a 25-21 lead midway through the fourth quarter on Galeano-Soares’ third touchdown reception of the night, Kalaheo responded with the defining drive of the season.

Kennedy found Kekauoha-Viena for a 35-yard touchdown strike with 11:22 remaining to reclaim the lead at 28-25. The Mustangs defense then delivered several key stops late to hold off the Hurricanes.

Kalaheo’s defense tightened after halftime, led by Bryn Ayling’s nine pulls and Samantha Love’s eight pulls and interception. Kennedy also contributed an interception defensively in a complete two-way effort.

“We didn’t let it get in our heads,” Kennedy said. “We executed everything perfectly and towards the end we really worked for it.”

For Kennedy, the championship carried even deeper meaning.

After missing last season while recovering from ACL surgery, the senior returned to help lead Kalaheo to a historic title run.

“It’s 12 months of physical therapy,” Kennedy said. “But I finally got back to playing this sport I really love.”

Now, the Mustangs head into the state tournament carrying momentum, belief, and a piece of school history no Kalaheo football team has ever claimed before.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL LASQUERO & DANIEL FUJITA

Moanalua Rallies Past Aiea, Advances to Face Mililani in OIA Playoffs

Moanalua Rallies Past Aiea, Advances to Face Mililani in OIA Playoffs

Apr 22, 2026

Moanalua Rallies Past Aiea, Advances to Face Mililani in OIA Playoffs

Moanalua used a late offensive surge to defeat Aiea, 10-6, in the opening round of the OIA Division I baseball playoffs Tuesday, punching its ticket to the quarterfinals against West No. 1 seed Mililani.

Aiea came out aggressive, plating three runs in the first inning and building a 5-3 advantage through four frames. But Moanalua responded when it mattered most, erupting for five runs in the fifth inning to seize control of the game. Na Menehune added insurance down the stretch to secure the comeback victory.

Turning Point in the Fifth

Trailing by two entering the fifth, Moanalua strung together timely hits and capitalized on opportunities to flip the scoreboard. The five-run inning proved to be the difference, shifting momentum firmly in favor of the visitors.

Fernandez Leads the Charge

Kyler Fernandez delivered a standout performance at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. His production helped anchor Moanalua’s offense and earned him Fun Factory VIP of the Game honors.

AJ Withy Allen provided additional firepower, finishing with three hits and three runs scored, while contributions throughout the lineup kept pressure on Aiea’s pitching staff.

Kameoka Goes the Distance

On the mound, Kallen Kameoka battled through seven innings to earn the complete-game win. Despite allowing six runs, he worked out of key jams and kept Moanalua within striking distance until the offense broke through.

Aiea’s Early Spark

Aiea showed promise early behind a strong first inning and consistent production through the middle frames. Kaimana Paiva led the Na Ali‘i with three hits and two RBIs, while Kailer Gervacio added a home run in the effort.

PHOTOS BY DANIEL FUJITA

Chargers Rally on Senior Day, Hold Off Kaiser 13-10

Chargers Rally on Senior Day, Hold Off Kaiser 13-10

Apr 17, 2026

Chargers Rally on Senior Day, Hold Off Kaiser 13-10

Senior Day at Pearl City delivered exactly the kind of energy you’d expect — emotion, big swings, and a little late-game drama — as the Chargers outlasted Kaiser, 13-10, in a back-and-forth battle.

Pearl City jumped early and built just enough cushion to survive a late Kaiser surge, improving to 7-6-0 behind a strong offensive showing led by Fun Factory VIP of the Game Kaiya Fujishige.

First-Inning Fireworks

The Chargers wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for four runs in the opening frame. That early punch carried into the second and third innings, where Pearl City added nine more combined runs to take a commanding 13-2 lead after three.

Fujishige anchored the offense with a huge day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs and multiple extra-base hits. Samantha Nakamatsu added a home run and two RBIs, while Aleia-Lyn Tonaki-Sagucio scored three runs to keep the lineup rolling.

Kaiser Battles Back

Despite the early deficit, Kaiser didn’t fold. The Cougars chipped away steadily, scoring in five different innings and putting together a late push that made things interesting.

Paisley Kuba led Kaiser with a 4-hit performance and two RBIs, while Mylah Burgess-Heely delivered a big day with four hits, five RBIs, and a home run. Madeline Nelson also contributed two runs and a triple as Kaiser piled up 16 hits as a team.

Holding the Line

Pearl City’s pitching staff had to weather that offensive pressure. Lilyanni Mata earned the win, allowing just two runs over three innings, while Haley Shinjo closed things out despite Kaiser’s late surge.

The Chargers’ defense also came up with key plays when it mattered most, committing just one error compared to Kaiser’s three — a difference that proved crucial in a tight finish.

Fun Factory VIP of the Game: Kaiya Fujishige

Fujishige’s all-around performance set the tone, earning her Fun Factory VIP of the Game honors. She consistently delivered in key spots, helping Pearl City build the early lead that ultimately held up.

PHOTOS BY DANIEL FUJITA

Nanakuli Outlasts Radford in Undefeated Showdown, 9-8

Nanakuli Outlasts Radford in Undefeated Showdown, 9-8

Apr 16, 2026

Nanakuli Outlasts Radford in Undefeated Showdown, 9-8

In a long-awaited clash between two of the OIA Division II’s top teams, Nanakuli finally got its shot at Radford—and made it count. The Golden Hawks edged the Rams 9-8 on Wednesday afternoon, handing Radford its first loss of the season in a game that lived up to the hype after a March 17 postponement due to weather.

Early Fireworks Set the Tone

Both teams wasted no time getting on the board, trading punches in a high-scoring first inning. Nanakuli plated three runs to open the game, only for Radford to answer with three of its own, immediately signaling this would be a back-and-forth battle.

Naehu Powers the Offense

Nanakuli leaned on a standout performance from Kailey Naehu, who delivered a massive day at the plate. Naehu went 3-for-4 with five RBIs, including a home run, driving in more than half of the Golden Hawks’ runs. Her production proved to be the difference in a one-run game.

Jaisha Barrozo and Sadie Manabat also contributed multi-hit efforts, helping Nanakuli build and maintain offensive pressure throughout the contest.

Radford Responds, But Comes Up Short

Radford stayed within striking distance all game, fueled by a strong showing from Siitia Baughn, who went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a triple. Meghan Castro added four hits and two RBIs, leading a Rams lineup that out-hit Nanakuli 11-9.

The Rams mounted a late push, scoring five runs across the fifth and sixth innings to take an 8-5 lead, putting Nanakuli on its heels.

Seventh-Inning Surge Seals It

With their undefeated record on the line, Nanakuli delivered in the clutch. The Golden Hawks erupted for four runs in the top of the seventh inning, flipping a three-run deficit into a 9-8 lead.

From there, Naehu—who also went the distance in the circle—closed the door despite a heavy workload. She allowed eight runs (three earned) on 11 hits while striking out eight to earn the win.

Fun Factory VIP of the Game: Kailey Naehu

There was no question who stood out in this one. Kailey Naehu earns Fun Factory VIP of the Game honors after a dominant all-around performance. At the plate, she drove in five runs and delivered a key home run, while in the circle, she battled through seven innings against a tough Radford lineup to secure the win. In a game filled with big moments, Naehu delivered the biggest ones when Nanakuli needed them most.

PHOTOS BY DANIEL FUJITA

Hawai‘i Class of 2026 Student-Athletes Celebrate NLI Signing Day at Elks Lodge

Hawai‘i Class of 2026 Student-Athletes Celebrate NLI Signing Day at Elks Lodge

Apr 15, 2026

Hawai‘i Class of 2026 Student-Athletes Celebrate NLI Signing Day at Elks Lodge

Honolulu’s oceanfront served as the backdrop for a special milestone moment on Wednesday morning, as over 50 of Hawai‘i’s high school student-athletes from the Class of 2026 officially signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI) to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level.

Hosted at the Honolulu Elks Lodge 616 in Waikiki, the annual signing day event brought together athletes, families, coaches, and supporters in celebration of years of hard work paying off. The program, which began shortly after sunrise, highlighted the achievements of local athletes across a wide range of sports, from baseball and volleyball to soccer, flag football, and track and field.

Continuing a Hawai‘i Tradition

The event is part of a long-standing tradition in the islands, with Hawai‘i State National Letter of Intent Signing Day tracing its roots back more than two decades. Originally established in 2001 by Doris Sullivan and the Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance (PIAA), the initiative has helped hundreds of student-athletes pursue opportunities at the collegiate level.

Since 2017, the event has been organized under the Hawai‘i State National Letter of Intent Signing Day organization, continuing its mission to support and promote student-athletes across the state.

From early morning check-ins to the formal signing ceremony, the atmosphere reflected both pride and gratitude — a celebration not just of individual accomplishments, but of the broader community that supports Hawai‘i’s athletes.

Below is the full list of student-athletes and their collegiate commitments:

Student-Athlete — High School — College signed with — Sport

Leleanne Ah Kuoi – Waipahu High School → Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA) – Track and Field

Blaze Bailey – Punahou School → California Lutheran University (Thousand Oaks, CA) – Soccer

Brooklyn Barrett – Le Jardin Academy → Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA) – Basketball

Liliana Brandt – Punahou School → Amherst College – Volleyball

Maile Burnett – Mililani High School → San Francisco State University – Soccer

Ka’eo Bush – Roosevelt High School → Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA) – Football

Leah Camello – Waipahu High School → Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) – Women’s Volleyball

Rylie Doon – James Campbell High School → Saint Martin’s University (Lacey, WA) – Women’s Soccer

Layna Faria – Kalani High School → Eastern Arizona College (Thatcher, AZ) – Softball

Kona Flanagan – Punahou School → California Baptist University (Riverside, CA) – Swimming

Natalyn Fujikane – Mililani High School → Cal Poly Pomona – Soccer

Emma Fujino – Kalani High School → Union Commonwealth University (Barbourville, KY) – Softball

Jake Fujita – Punahou School → Santa Barbara City College – Baseball

Lia Hamamura – Kaiser High School → University of Hawai‘i at Hilo – Softball

Caleb Hamasaki – Kaiser High School → William Jessup University (Rocklin, CA) – Baseball

Pacey Hatanaka – Kalani High School → Linn-Benton Community College – Baseball

Kate Iida – Hawai‘i Baptist Academy → Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland, WA) – Softball

Priya Jackson – Moanalua High School → Alverno College (Milwaukee, WI) – Women’s Soccer

Laʻakea Kamahele – Le Jardin Academy → Long Island University – Men’s Volleyball

Paisley Kuba – Kaiser High School → Willamette University – Softball

Dylan Kunz – Kailua High School → University of Providence (Great Falls, MT) – Men’s Basketball

Autumn Lagafuaina – Mililani High School → University of Redlands – Basketball

Sienna Lamblack – Hawai‘i Baptist Academy → Chaminade University – Women’s Basketball

Brady Lau – Punahou School → Jessup University (Rocklin, CA) – Men’s Soccer

Brennin Lee – Punahou School → Pitzer College (Claremont, CA) – Baseball

Delancey Lee – Mililani High School → Adrian College (Adrian, MI) – Men’s Volleyball

Gunnar Lee – Moanalua High School → Linfield University (McMinnville, OR) – Golf

Logan Lee – Mid-Pacific Institute → Soka University of America (Aliso Viejo, CA) – Women’s Soccer

Isabella Leguizamon – Mililani High School → Arizona Christian University (Glendale, AZ) – STUNT

Aiden Leong – Kaiser High School → Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA) – Football

Maille Malone – Mililani High School → Niagara University (Lewiston, NY) – Women’s Volleyball

Makenna Mello – Punahou School → Menlo College – Volleyball

Sava Miočinović – Mid-Pacific Institute → Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT) – Volleyball

Kacie Miyahira – Hawai‘i Technology Academy → Fisk University (Nashville, TN) – Indoor Volleyball

Bri-Ela Nakagawa – Punahou School → Saint Martin’s University (Lacey, WA) – Women’s Golf

Samantha Nakamatsu – Pearl City High School → Lewis & Clark College (Portland, OR) – Softball

Colt Nakamura – Punahou School → Willamette University – Baseball

Mayah Nakasato – University Laboratory School → Hawai‘i Pacific University – Women’s Volleyball

Brennan Nakayama – Le Jardin Academy → Arizona Christian University – Volleyball

Madeline Nelson – Kaiser High School → Pacific University (OR) – Softball

Kira-May Nosse – Kalani High School → Bates College (Lewiston, ME) – Soccer

Harley Ota – Pearl City High School → Whitworth University (Spokane, WA) – Women’s Soccer

Tori Lynn Passos – Radford High School → Pacific University (OR) – Volleyball

Cameron Porter – Punahou School → UC San Diego – Men’s Volleyball

Synnove Robinson – Punahou School → Harvard University – Water Polo

Neyo Simon – Punahou School → Soka University of America – Soccer

Jae Siu – Kaiser High School → Diablo Valley College (Pleasant Hill, CA) – Baseball

Jai’Lyn Smith – Moanalua High School → Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ) – Flag Football

Zaira Sugui – Moanalua High School → Menlo College (Atherton, CA) – Wrestling

Jordan Takai – Punahou School → Dartmouth College – Golf

True Takemoto – Punahou School → University of San Francisco – Volleyball

Kelsie Taketa – Kalani High School → Olympic College (Bremerton, WA) – Softball

Kwynn Tanita – University Laboratory School → Mohave College (Bullhead City, AZ) – Women’s Soccer

Treysen Taoka – Punahou School → George Fox University (Newberg, OR) – Baseball

Jake Tripp – Punahou School → Cerritos College (Cerritos, CA) – Baseball

Anthony Uehara – Punahou School → Saint Martin’s University – Golf

Camila Valdivia – Kalaheo High School → Menlo College – Soccer

Eden Waqainabete – Le Jardin Academy → Biola University – Swimming

Ellana Watson – Mililani High School → Graceland University (Lamoni, IA) – Soccer

Alisa Yamamoto – University Laboratory School → Concordia University Irvine – STUNT

Rylee Yamasaki – Kaiser High School → Chaminade University – Softball

Cousins ball out in final game back home on Oahu

Cousins ball out in final game back home on Oahu

Dec 20, 2025

Cousins Taimane Souza-Fautanu and Jahsiah Souza-Armstead get lined up for Hawai'i Team Black. | Photo: Michael LasqueroThe 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl is an annual showcase that brings together standout high school seniors from across the islands for a full day of...

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Waipahu Pulls Away Late to Defeat Radford, 12-7

Waipahu Pulls Away Late to Defeat Radford, 12-7

Apr 15, 2026

Waipahu Pulls Away Late to Defeat Radford, 12-7

Waipahu used a big late-inning surge to break open a tight game and defeat Radford 12-7 on Tuesday afternoon, improving to 11-2 on the season. In a contest that remained competitive through the middle innings, the Marauders capitalized on timely hitting and key mistakes to pull away down the stretch.

Back-and-Forth Through the Middle Innings

After Waipahu struck first in the opening inning, Radford responded with a strong third inning to take a brief lead. The two teams continued to trade runs, with Waipahu reclaiming momentum behind a steady offensive approach that kept pressure on the Rams’ pitching staff.

Radford showed flashes offensively, tallying 10 hits on the day. Zyon Telles-Kuwahara led the way with a multi-hit performance, while Maximus Davis and Damian Lujan each contributed RBIs to keep the Rams within striking distance.

Sixth-Inning Surge Breaks It Open

The turning point came in the bottom of the sixth, when Waipahu erupted for six runs to turn a close game into a comfortable lead. Taking advantage of defensive miscues and timely hits, the Marauders created separation they would not relinquish.

Waipahu finished with 11 hits, with multiple players contributing across the lineup in a balanced offensive effort.

Fun Factory VIP of the Game: Maddox Oasay

Maddox Oasay earns Fun Factory VIP of the Game honors after delivering a strong all-around performance. At the plate, Oasay went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk, helping spark Waipahu’s offense. On the mound, he earned the win with four innings of work, allowing just four hits and keeping Radford’s lineup in check during key stretches of the game.

PHOTOS BY DANIEL FUJITA