CLOSING THE BOOK: Gritty Mid-Pacific nearly reaches state tourney

CLOSING THE BOOK: No. 8 Mid-Pacific (17-15, 3-9 ILH)
> vs. Top 10: 9-14 (.391)
> Top 10 wins: KAIL, KAH, MOA, KLH, LEI, KAIS, VIS, STL, PUN
> Top 10 losses: LEI, OAK, DMS, BUE, DMS, MS, MS, KS, DMS, STL, PUN, KS, PUN, DMS
> Non-Top 10 losses: MIL
> Home: 3-4
> Away: 7-7
> Neutral: 7-4
> Playoffs: 2-1

Coach Robert Shklov brought the juice.

His Owls drank the green Kool-Aid. From start to finish, tip-off to the final buzzer, Mid-Pacific always battled. Twenty-three of their 32 games were against Top 10 opponents, and the Owls got within one win of qualifying for the state tournament. A 58-54 loss at Damien ended one of the most energized seasons in Owls history. 

MPI went 9-14 against the Top 10, splitting with Leilehua, upending Kailua, Kahuku, Moanalua, Kalaheo — all before ILH regular-season play began. There was a 3-1 mark in a preseason tournament at Casa Grande, Ariz. After a rough-and-tumble 3-9 record in the regular season, the Owls ousted ‘Iolani (39-33) and Punahou (49-42, overtime) before the loss to Damien with the third and final state berth at stake. 

Coach Shklov chatted about his team and his first season as a head coach. 

This season was ________.

Shklov: "Historic. Winning a D1 playoff game for the first time in school history in this current iteration was a huge step in establishing the program and continuing to improve the culture that great coaches like Jason Hopkins, Nate Hu and Ryan Hirata built up. 

"Individually, having Kamana Lapina be recognized as All-ILH first team by the coaches was something that hasn’t happened since I believe Justin Daise and Marcus Holyfield did it. Having Star Advertiser and Hawaii Prep World also recognize Elijah Kahue-Parker for his defense and Kala Nakaya, Adonis Espania and Lucca Kitashima as HM were great markers of individual successes. 

"As a team, being included in a 'best game' category is incredibly flattering. If anyone watched our team, they saw a team who competed extremely hard on both ends, stayed disciplined and played the game the right way. 

"I’ve never been more proud of an awarded team accomplishment as I was for them earning the (Star-Advertiser) award for best sportsmanship. It was something we preached and embodied the entire year. They understood the life lessons we imparted on them. It’s what made this team so enjoyable to coach and so easy to root for."

This season was the movie ________.

Shklov: "Cool Runnings. A lot of proven teams with pedigree at the top. We were looked at as outsiders, Trying to accomplish something that a lot of people doubted. But along the way, a rag tag group from different walks of life came together to defy expectations and earn the respect of the community. Our lucky eggs were our No. 1 supporters Carolyn Kargol and Missy Lange. You can’t crack them, they will always cheer positively!"

Review: Starters and key rotation/role players:

Kamana Lapina, 11 ppg, All-State Fab 15 honorable mention, 5-10, Sr.

Shklov: "True definition of a point guard. Played with a ferocity that inspired his teammates. Led us in assists, wouldn’t be surprised if he led the league, and could break a press by himself. Perhaps our best off ball defender because of his anticipation. Really took over late as our closer. Is comfortable pushing the pace or running a half court attack. A leader in every sense of the word. Coach Ryan Hirata worked with him extensively and it shows in his fearless mentality. Very resilient. Gets knocked down a lot, had to play the bottom in our zones, was other teams defensive focus in many games but never lost his composure. Another thing I am very proud of, made incredible strides in the classroom this year!"

Elijah Kahue-Parker, 11 ppg, All-State Fab 15 honorable mention, 6-3, Jr. 

Shklov: "I stand by my claim earlier in the year that he is the best defender in the state. Because of his IQ, versatility and athleticism he is able to guard any position on the court and oftentimes had to over the course of the season and sometimes a game! On top of that he was our leading scorer while shooting a very high percentage. Slashing and transition were his strengths but he developed a jumper as well. A very well spoken young man with a great family, he is an academically high achiever in the classroom, as well." 

Lucca Kitashima, 6-0, Sr., 4 ppg, 6-0, Sr. 

Shklov: "Worked hard all summer on improving his defense and it showed. Averaged over 2 “stocks” per game. Became much more than a spot up shooter this year but made clutch buckets all year. Willing to do whatever was needed of him for the team. One of the top golfers in the state."

Kala Nakaya, 6 ppg, 6-6, Jr. 

Shklov: "Incredibly under appreciated and is poised for a huge senior year. Ran a lot of offense through him and he was a willing distributor and finisher. Improved markedly on his defense and became one of the better rim protectors in the state. Has deep range and back to the basket moves that make him a prototypical stretch big. Unselfish and tough, he battled through multiple injuries all year long. High academic achiever. Has Ivy League aspirations." 

Adonis Espania, 5-10, So.

Shklov: "Our most underrated player this year. Out of the rotation last season, he worked incredibly hard to get in the good graces of the new coaching staff. Reinvented himself as a perimeter defensive stopper and primary ball handler. So important for us as he had to oftentimes guard the opposition’s best perimeter player and bring the ball up against pressure. Added a corner three point shot that was one of the more accurate on the team."

Jayden Ramos, 6-0, Sr.

Shklov: "Extremely important player to our team. He took care of us all. Very mature and wise. His role and position changed constantly, something that would frustrate other athletes, but he did it all for the team. He had to guard Saint Louis’ giants and Punahou’s sharpshooters. He was a post one game, on the wing another. I can’t say enough about what a great young man Jayden Ramos is. His family should be very proud." 

Henry Man, 6-0, Jr. 

Shklov: "Maybe the most popular guy on the team. Infectious personality and dynamic energy. Rebounding and mid range were his strengths this year. His effort level never wavered and he had some big games for us including against Oak Hill at the ‘Iolani Classic. I’m so excited for him to elevate his game to a new level next year. Genuinely cares about his teammates." 

James Smotherman, 5-9, So.

Shklov: "Dynamic. Offensively he has the whole package and a lot of people tried to test him defensively and he more than held his own. Much stronger and quicker than anyone knows. Earned a lot of minutes during the home stretch of our season and is one of the hardest working athletes we have. Very excited to expand his role next season!"

Apollo Espania, 5-10, So. 

Shklov: "Steady and fearless. Handled pressure on offense and tough defensive assignments as well. Nothing was too much for him to handle. He has big shoes to follow as he will most likely take over lead guard duties from Kamana but he is up for the challenge. Full Naruto run ahead." 

What or who surprised you most?

Shklov: "For the ILH what surprised me most?: That Kamehameha went undefeated. The ILH was as tough as ever and that team reflected the intelligence, poise and strength of their coaching staff. Nate (Davis), Paka (Bello) and Brandon (Dumlao) added a lot to Coach Larry (Park)’s team. Going without defeat through that gauntlet is an amazing accomplishment. We know all about the top two, but EJ Kapihe is going to be a Star. Bailey Lee was their anchor, great feet and feel for the game. And to have Preston Ponteras be able to knock down shots and lock down defensively was huge."

Who or what surprised you most?

Shklov: "That amazing, non-stop, energetic Leilehua machine. You can tell a lot by how a team warms up and I was in awe of their pre-game routine. They start at a high pace and only accelerate as the game goes on. Coach Chad (Townsend) and staff have them locked in and fully committed to their system. An absolute joy to watch play basketball.

"Maryknoll’s Parker Grant and Noah Furtado don’t get nearly enough credit. Defensively they are tough. They play elite assignment basketball. They handle the ball and facilitate well. They make advanced plays that stand out on tape that don’t show up on the stat sheet. Extremely high basketball IQ must be hereditary! 

"The continued maturation of Geremy Robinson Jr. (of Moanalua) and the evolution of Drake Watanabe (of Roosevelt). Geremy has always been a natural scorer, but the arrival of Coach (Michael) Johnson and the discipline instilled by Lt. Col. Wingfield seemed to inspire him to diversify his game and bring it to new heights. He improved as a distributor and defender so much so that they are both strengths for him. I’m positive a lot of college coaches will be checking in on him this summer! Drake became a sensation in the OIA and wherever he ends up next year, his year with coach Steve (Hathaway) will be seen as a defining moment because he gained some swagger and found himself as a top-level scorer in the state. 

"At Mid-Pacific, the incredible fan support surprised me at first. To have families, friends behind us gave us tremendous resolve and fortitude. (On my team), my guys who didn’t get much playing time during the ILH season. I know firsthand that it’s difficult not getting consistent playing time. So I asked them to find other ways to help the team. Ryder Napoleon, Ezra Michel, Jordan Lee, Luke Pacarro and Jacob Brown all had great attitudes and encouraged their teammates at games and pushed them during practice. Without them and our managers from JV, Kyle Chun, Kyle Zeng and Luke Higashi, we wouldn’t have had the great scout teams and be able to prep as we did going into the playoffs. Everyone was genuinely invested."

What were the most adverse challenges?

Shklov: "Establishing my own unique culture and voice while trying to maintain the positive strides Coach Ryan (Hirata, now at ‘Iolani) and Athletic Director Scott Wagner made with the program. I’m so lucky to have a great staff in former head coaches Neil Bowers and Nate Hu, former MPI players Cameron Roberts and Travis Hayashi. And it was special for me to be able to coach with one of my former players, Nick Velasquez. Having such knowledge and commitment made my transition from assistant to head coach as seamless as possible."

What was the peak? What was the low?

Shklov: "The low is easy. Losing six straight league games. We had to really come together as a program. Our strong upper class helped us through that tough stretch. 

"The on court high might surprise some, but it was our last game against Damien. After two back-to-back, incredibly draining playoff wins, to go into Damien, go down early and come back the way we did to push the Monarchs to the brink was nothing less than extraordinary effort on their part. It truly encapsulated the spirit of Mid-Pacific and our 'Owl-Out!' mentality. The next day to receive such positive messages of encouragement from the leagues coaches only validated that belief. Coach Kelly (Grant of Maryknoll)) sent his regards, I caught the next playoff game with Coach Larry  and Coach Ryan. Ryan was so proud of his former guys. Coach Dan (Hale of Saint Louis) saw me and was incredibly complimentary, Coach Darren (Matsuda of Punahou) told me he was proud of me and Coach Alvin (Stephenson of Damien) left me a very humble, personal message that meant a lot to me. To have earned those coaches’ respect, all of whom I hold in very high regard, was incredibly meaningful. 

"The spiritual high was our trip to Arizona where we bonded over never seeing real cacti before, Madden Football, Chik-Fil-A and Arizona State Basketball. But easily our most memorable experience was our visit to the Gila River reservation. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Spiritual Caretaker Tim Terry and the whole tribe welcomed us with open arms. We did a cultural exchange where danced hula and sang for them, they fed us and chanted. Their hospitality was above and beyond my expectations and I am forever grateful for their kindness. Kamehameha alum George Courtney set it up. I highly recommend his tournament for any Hawaii team looking to travel." 

What will you miss about this group?

Shklov: "First and foremost, I will miss the seniors and their families. They were quick to embrace the new staff. They were exceptional in the classroom and as citizens. Active in their extra curricular activities and outside pursuits in their communities they set a high bar for their teammates."

What are you anticipating for offseason and next season?

Shklov: "I’m anticipating expectations. We won’t be able to sneak up on anyone. I’m expecting them to work harder than ever. You see all the successful programs and players and they always say their dedication to the weight room and after-hours gym time has paid off. If we are to even begin to think about meeting those expectations and reach new heights, we will have to dedicate ourselves even more than before."

What was your first season as a head coach like? What did you do better than you expected? What do you feel like you learned?

Shklov: "It was something I’ve always aspired to do and I wouldn’t have made it without my mom and dad always supporting me, and the great coaching I got from Kale Ane, Greg Tacon, Arvin Fujii, Al Ching, Kekoa Taliaferro and Chris McLachlin among many others. 

"I feel very fortunate to have the group of parents, players and administrators because I felt very supported. In that way, I was able to do the administrative duties much better than I anticipated. 

"Every season has its ups and downs and new learning experiences can be drawn from each ebb and flow. I learned  that everything we teach can be applied back to ourselves as a coaching staff. To be self reflective, to give honest effort, to always be learning, to control what you can control and to always respect the game."