The two-time defending state champion ‘Iolani Raiders don't let anything get them down.
En route to their state titles, the girl hoopsters played efficient, selfless and fast-paced basketball from start to finish. With the entire roster due to return, it promises to be an historic season for ‘Iolani. The cancellation of the 2020 ‘Iolani Classic, however, takes a bit of the shine off. The tourney was officially cancelled today due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Head Coach Dean Young knows the event well. His father, the late Glenn Young, founded the tournament in 1983. It became an instant classic through relationships across the country, and a partnership with Nike.
"The Iolani Classic has been a big part of my family since 1983 so it's very sad, but I know that it'll be back stronger than ever. The health and safety of all the students and those involved is the main priority," Young said.
The Raiders were 25-2 last season.
"It's really unfortunate for my team with the Classic being cancelled and the season and travel in jeopardy. Our returning team is pretty special and I feel that this coming year would have been only the second time where a Hawaii team had a legitimate chance of winning the Iolani Girls Classic since Chanelle Molina's senior year with Konawaena. We also have plans to enter a couple big tournaments on the mainland in December to try to take on some of the nation's best."
As ‘Iolani boys basketball coach Ryan Hirata noted earlier in the day, everyone will be stoked just to have a full season.
"I really hope we can safely play out our season this year," Young said. "It'd be such a shame to not see all my seniors including Lily Wahinekapu and Jo Huntimer suit up for Iolani girls basketball again and be able to watch the flow and beauty of their play."
Coaches and media voted Wahinekapu the Star-Advertiser All-State player of the year. Huntimer was voted No. 5 in the Fab 15. Jovi Lefotu, Wahinekapu's younger sister, was No. 4.
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