CJ Caraang | SL

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The Hurricanes celebrate after capturing their first-ever Oahu Interscholastic Association title in school history. CJ Caraang | SL

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Kapolei starter Garrett Wong allowed four runs on six hits, striking out eight and walking six to earn the victory over Kalaheo. CJ Caraang | SL

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WAIPAHU—What a difference a year makes.

A five-run fourth inning helped push Kapolei to their first-ever Oahu Interscholastic Association Division II title over Kalaheo, 9-4 at Hans L'Orange Park on Saturday afternoon.

"We had three goals this season: one was to be undefeated, the second was to win the OIA, now the third is to win states," said Kapolei coach Tom Ebanez.

"After last year, to come back out here and win it, the hard work paid off," said Joe Uesato.

The Hurricanes finish the season at 13-0 overall and managed to complete the season sweep of the Mustangs. Kalaheo (9-5 overall) beat Radford to get to the title game. All three teams punched tickets to the Wally Yonamine Foundation/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division II State Championships at Wong Stadium in Hilo.

"They bought in the philosophy and everything worked out. We had our ups and downs and they worked hard and deserved this," said Ebanez.

The Hurricanes got offensive production from five different players. Kamea Wong pitched six innings for the win and struck out eight and walked six. Bradyn Yoshida came in for the rest of the way to only allow one hit and no runs.

"He never faced adversity like this until today. He battled and competed and this is what this program is about," said Ebanez, on Wong.

"My coaches helped me out to go at them. I tried to pick points, but I wasn't hitting them and I was erratic. I settled down and my teammates cheered me on and made me more confident," said Wong.

Similar to their first game of the season, Kalaheo jumped out to a good start as Wong walked Tennison Cantrell and Kaliu Lapera doubled to left field to score Cantrell. Thomas Capllonch was tagged out going home, but Lapera added a run to give the Mustangs an early, 2-0 lead.

"I'm proud of them. They played well and we hit the ball early and they battled back," said Kalaheo coach Jerry Bush.

The Hurricanes got 11 hits for the game and did most of their damage in the second and fourth innings.

Kapolei sent eight batters to the plate and scored four runs on five hits. The Hurricanes came back in the second as Mykah Kuratani led off with a double and moved to third on an error. Joe Uesato brought in Ty-Noah Williams, who came in for Kuratani. With one out, Joey Ching reached on a fielder's choice and Andrei Stoyanow doubled to right and Tristen Manoha-Diaz singled to left. Bradyn Yoshida's RBI single and Isaac Badua's squeeze brought in runs to give Kapolei a 4-2 lead.

"No matter what we threw them, they were putting the ball in play," said Bush. "I give my kids credit, they didn't give up in any point of the game."

Kalaheo started chipping away as they were able to walk in a run in the third. Capllonch walked, Smith hit a single and Curtis Chung, Jr. walked. Wong walked Ethan Toguchi-Tani for a run. The Mustangs tied the game at 4 after Cantrell walked and he scored his second run after Capllonch singled to left field.

With the game tied at 4, the bats came alive for the Hurricanes as they sent nine batters to the plate. Stoyanow set the tone with a leadoff single to right and Manoha-Diaz followed up with another single. Badua and Cobey Fujii each reached on fielder choices and Kuratani singled to left. Corey Slade and Uesato each hit two RBI singles to help Kapolei pull away for good.

"It gave me a lot of confidence because the five runs helped me settle down," said Wong.

"We practice for that situation. We go into the game thinking it's 0-0," said Uesato. "It feels good to finish the season strong and go to states on a roll."

"The kids are a tight-knit bunch and encourage each other. I think that's how it snowballed from there," said Ebanez.

This is new territory for the Mustangs and coach Bush hopes the success this season can convince a bigger turnout for his program.

"I hope this experience helps us get more kids to come out from our school. Hopefully us going to states help the program going forward," said Bush.