Punahou, the top-ranked team in the ScoringLive/OC16 Boys Basketball Power Rankings, continues their unbeaten streak from the gridiron to the hardwood floor as well. There were concerns on how the Buffanblu would do this year with point guard Jordan Tanuvasa out for the year with an ACL injury, but Dayson Watanabe has filled in nicely running the show. Regarded as one of the top teams in the state, Punahou has outscored opponents on an average of 15.7 points per game.

The Buffanblu currently sport an 18-0 overall record, and a 3-0 record in Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II play. Darren Matsuda’s squad will have a chance to start the season with 20 straight wins this week, facing a stern test between two top three teams. Punahou takes on No. 3 Iolani Wednesday Jan. 15, before going on the road to take on No. 2 Maryknoll Friday Jan. 17.

Strengths

The Buffanblu are dangerous on the fast break with Watanabe taking the outlet pass down the court with speed. It doesn’t always end up in points, but it does put pressure on opposing teams to get back on defense. This also limits the amount of offensive rebounds opposing teams get for fear of giving up an easy bucket on the other end.

Making his home in the paint is senior Daniel Andrews, averaging 12.7 points per game in league play. His scoring might drop to single digits from time to time, but he makes up for it on the defensive end. Andrews’ 6-foot-7 frame provides a tough, pesky wingspan for any player that wants to attempt a shot in the lane. 

One player who has taken his game up a notch is junior sharp shooter Justin Kam. The two-sport athlete has averaged 18 points per game in two league games. While he is a renowned marksman, Kam also makes his mark as an incredible leaper, providing key rebounds and blocks when needed.

Rounding out the starting unit is the duo of Kanawai Noa and Micah Ma’a. The two don’t contribute much scoring – combined 9.3 points per game – but they earn their minutes by playing tough-nosed defense. They also pick up key steals and timely assists, and will occasionally knock down a 3-pointer. 

Punahou also possesses one of the deepest teams in the state with bench players who can get hot at any given point. Their main reserves consisting off, Randon Oda, Chris Kobayashi, Kalai Santos, Blake Wade, and Davis Miyashiro-Saipa’ia. These five players are averaging a combined 24.6 points per game through three league games. 

Weaknesses

Barring an injury to Watanabe, Andrews, or Kam, there aren’t many weaknesses to this Punahou squad. In general, teams that can generate high percentage shots that limit long rebounds will lower the amount of fast break opportunities for Punahou. Getting good shots to fall through the hoop will give opposing teams an opportunity so set up their defense against a diverse Punahou team.

In all of their games so far this season, their closest win has come against Kalani in the preseason, escaping with a three-point victory. The Falcons utilizes a high-paced offense and applies a lot of pressure defensively so it will be interesting to see how the Buffanblu fare against the likes of Maryknoll and Iolani. Punahou’s slim victory over Kalani might be due to the body needing to get into regular season form, but it does provide a blueprint on how to force the Buffanblu out of the comfort zone.

No. 1 Punahou vs. No. 3 Iolani

This game will feature two of the most balanced teams in the state with quality depth at all positions. Punahou will have the advantage playing at home in the Hemmeter Fieldhouse, a place where they have outscored opponents by 16.7 points per game. 

Iolani is a team that thrives on dribble penetration to free up their shooters. Three-year starters Erik Yamada and Zach Buscher are the ones driving into the paint the most, rarely losing their handle on the ball. This opens things up for Ikaika Phillip and Pikai Winchester off the bench, two deadly shooters who can knock it in from long range. The Raiders were unable to get into the paint often in their previous game against Maryknoll, so it will be interesting to see what adjustments Iolani coach Dean Shimamoto has implemented to refine the team’s offense.

Punahou has the shooters to keep pace with Iolani, making it a likely possibility that Wednesday’s game will be a shootout. While one of the teams might rack up 3-point shots in bunches, the other team will have to resist the urge to answer back with a triple of their own. Whichever team can keep their composure and run their offense, generating high quality shots should come out on top. Both teams are deadly in transition, making those missed 3-pointers and long rebounds a double-edged sword. 

The one matchup that will dictate the outcome the most will be between Andrews and Iolani center Kamu Borden in the paint. Andrews is a lanky, long big man while Borden possesses more power and force down low. Borden has experience playing against lengthier centers in the preseason, going up against UCLA commit Kevon Looney from Hamilton (Wis.), and New Mexico commit Joe Furstinger from Santa Margarita (Calif.) Looney and Furstinger got the best of Borden, scoring 27 and 18 points respectively, but this experience should prepare Borden with his upcoming matchup against Andrews.

Another difference between Andrews and Borden is their defense on the weak side. Both players have had their fair share of spectacular blocks so far, but their shot-blocking trajectory is what differentiates them. Borden uses his speed and leaping ability to swat out it out of bounds, while Andrews uses his length and goes straight up utilizing the verticality rule. Borden’s vicious blocks will give the Raiders a moral boost, but they usually go out of bounds, retaining possession for the opposing team. Andrews has the edge in terms of shot-blocking ability because he generally keeps the ball in play, leading to more fast break opportunities for Watanabe and company. 

X-factor in the matchup

The Buffanblu appears to have the edge in Wednesday’s game, but the Raiders will be hungry to bounce back from their first lost of the season to a Hawaii-based team. One Raider who could be due for a big game is senior Chris Gallacher. The 5-foot-8 guard is the least heralded of the Raiders’ starting five, even getting bumped to a reserve role against Saint Francis in Iolani’s preseason finale. After torching Lahainaluna for 17 points in the Raiders’ first game of the preseason, Gallacher has averaged 4.6 points since. Despite not scoring as much, Gallacher earns his minutes with pesky defense; picking up breakaway steals on lazy passes. He also is a great team player, a willing passer who doesn’t disrupt team chemistry. The Raiders will need Gallacher to produce some key baskets if they hope to knock off the top-ranked Buffanblu off of their perch.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a post-reaction on the outcome of tonight’s game. Should Punahou extend their streak to 19, a Buffanblu and Spartan preview will follow.