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Rapid Reaction: Punahou Buffanblu


A few thoughts on the Punahou Buffanblu's 68-50 victory over the Farrington Governors at Moanalua Saturday afternoon.

What it means: After missing out on the state tournament last year, Punahou seems primed to get back to the postseason. Most of the players on this squad have been on the team since they were sophomores and even freshmen. The Buffanblu has a solid core in place with combo guards Dayson Watanabe and Jordan Tanuvasa, defensive stalwarts Micah Maa and Kanawai Noa and one of the top players in the state in JB Kam. For those that were watching the game, it was clear how cohesive Punahou was as oppose to the Governors. Farrington has the talent paper, but has multiple players out of tune with each other.

Stock watch: Up: center Akahi Troske. The lone non-senior in the Buffanblu's starting lineup displayed a surprising, but impressive post up game. For someone playing in his first year on the varsity squad, Troske is an interesting piece to watch for a Punahou team with so many weapons. His strong presence down low opened up some easy looks from the perimeter for Noa. 

#DroppinDimes: One thing that allowed Punahou to go on long extended runs was its ability to share the ball. Inside and outside, everyone on the floor for the Buffanblu was working for a better shot. Leading the dishing was Watanabe who had seven of the team's 12 assists. 

Game ball: JB Kam. The senior forward knocked in four 3-pointers on his way for a game-high 25 points. Whenever Farrington went on a little run, Kam had the right shot to answer. In my opinion, there is no doubt Kam is a top 10 player in the state, possibly even top five. Even when Farrington was playing tight defense on the perimeter, Kam was able to take defenders off the dribble and finish with a sweet midrange jumper. It was fun to watch the battle between Kam and Farrington's Jake Smith (24 points).

What's next: Punahou will have three days off before taking on Castle in the first round of the Pete Smith Classic next Wednesday.



Reach Michael Lasquero at [email protected].




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