Punahou is our pick as the top boys team in Hawaii this season. But also watch out for Maryknoll, Kalaheo, King Kekaulike and 'Iolani.
MaxPreps 2013-14 Hawaii Boys Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state1. Punahou (Honolulu)2012-13 finish: 23-8
Head coach: Darren Matsudea
The Buff N' Blue are already off to a strong start. Punahou lost its two leading scorers from last year, but returns nine juniors and one senior who saw considerable playing time last year. They include senior
Daniel Andrews (6-foot-8, F), who is currently averaging 14.2 points per game, and juniors
Justin Kam (11.5) and
Dayson Watanabe (10.6).
2. Maryknoll (Honolulu)2012-13 finish: 24-5
Head coach: Kelly Grant
Maryknoll advanced to the Division I state final last year, falling to Kalaheo 60-54 in the championship game. The Spartans are off to a reported 14-2 start with losses to Farrington and McKinley.
Kaleb Gilmore, a junior, and
Joshua Barnett, a senior, both return this year after earning all-tournament honors last year and leading Maryknoll to its first Interscholastic League championship in 26 years.
3. Kalaheo (Kailua)2012-13 finish: 21-4, Division I state champions
Head coach: Alika Smith
Kalaheo captured the Division I state championship last year, defeating Maryknoll 60-54 and also pulling out a win in the semifinals against Punahou. The defending state champions got off to a strong start this season with 11 straight wins and currently sit at 12-3.
Kupa'a Harrison has been the top scorer so far this season for the defending champs with a season-high of 29 points against Walnut Grove.
4. King Kekaulike (Pukalani)2012-13 finish: 18-4
Head coach: Bill Naylor
The Na Ali'i won their first Maui Interscholastic League title last year and could add a second this season.
Chase Iwata-bartelme and
Elijah Engoring both return from last year's squad. The team made its first trip to the state playoffs in 17 years last season, falling to Punahou in the second round.
5. 'Iolani (Honolulu)2012-13 finish: 15-11
Head coach: Dean Shimamoto
The Raiders hope to improve on last year's 15-11 season and coach Dean Shimamoto has a young crew this year with just three seniors in the group. He does have some size in the form of 6-7 freshman
Hugh Hogland while
Zach Buscher, a 6-3 senior guard, has been the leading scorer in the early going. 'Iolani rattled off seven straight wins to open the season before going 0-3 in its own tournament last week.
