The Weekend in Sports

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Photo by Judy Mikami.

Last weekend, five Molokai High sports teams competed, with some losses and some wins. 

On the mat, Molokai’s wrestling team raked in more top finishes. On the girls’ side, Kailani Bicoy finished third in the 107-pound division, Barbara Simon placed second at 112 pounds and Carly Dudoit earned third at 138. For the boys, Austin Kaalekahi placed second in the 106-pound division, Reyn Raguindin came in third in 113B, Johnson Harris finished third in 132A, Hezekiah Horner placed second at 152, Clarence Horner finished third at 160, in the 195-pound division Heno Kaiama and Elisha Horner placed first and second respectively, and Leo Kalipi came in third at 220. 

“With each weekend of competition comes new opportunities for improvement,” said Head Wrestling Coach Randy Manley. “Most everyone made improvements from last week. We will continue to fine tune as we move closer to the MIL championship.” 

Molokai Wrestling will travel to King Kekaulike this Saturday.

Meanwhile, in the pool in Kihei, senior swimmer Kama Ward and junior Mauli Pupuhi both claimed multiple top two places over the weekend races for the swim team. On Friday, Ward placed first and Pupuhi second in the 50 yard freestyle, and Ward won the 100 yard free and placed second in the 100 backstroke. On Saturday, Ward finished second in the 200 Year IM and the 100 yard butterfly, and Pupuhi claimed second in the 100 freestyle. 

“We broke two new school records today, one being the 100 fly by Kama Ward and the other being the 200 free by Mauli Pupuhi,” said Swim Coach Amanda Labriola. “Kama qualified for states in the 100 fly. Meredith Go, Nani Peterson, and Josephine Torres all swam their best times and had an awesome meet. We are looking forward to MILs.”

The team will travel to Maui for the MIL Swimming Championships Feb 18-19. 

Boys Basketball hosted Maui Prep at The Barn, losing both games and celebrating the team’s three seniors – Elijah Kadowaki, Owen Svetin and Namaka Ross —  on Friday night. On Friday, Molokai fell to Maui Prep 71-15, and Saturday’s score was 63-6.  

“A tough pair of games this weekend against a good team but we are grateful for the opportunity to play and celebrate the seniors,” said Head Coach Kalei Adolpho. “Eric, Namaka and Elijah are great young men that will definitely be missed.

Molokai travels to Haleakala Waldorf next Friday and Saturday to end the regular season.

The Girls Basketball team played Lanai last weekend, also losing both games, 57-34 on Friday and 42-21 on Saturday. 

“The road trip was a good experience overall, especially for some of our younger players who have not been to Lanai,” said Head Coach Kaimana Kahale. “Playing here is always competitive between us and the Pine Lasses and although we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, we made great gains in running things offensively and creating more cohesive team chemistry…. We look forward to MILs and whoever we compete against in Hana. Lia Chae Meyer, Kaualea Helm and Kaia Yamashita had stand out games both nights but we as a coaching staff are proud of all the young ladies.”

The Girls Basketball team will play in the MIL Division II Tournament in Hana next week. 

On the water, the Varsity Boys and Girls Paddling team both finished sixth in their races at Kahului Harbor on Saturday.