Van Hugo, Isaiah Smith and the rest of the Govs will take on an on-the-uptick Kalaheo company down some key players. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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We’ve reached the midway point in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Eastern Division 11-game regular season and the hierarchy of the division is starting to take shape. The Kalaheo Mustangs have started league play with a 4-1 record making Friday’s home stand against No. 4 Farrington (5-0) a pivotal game in the standings.

The two Red East powerhouses have basked in success for the past couple of years. Farrington won the Division II state title in 2011, while Kalaheo has won back-to-back state titles (Division II in 2012, Division I in 2013). To stir the pot, here are some storylines in the upcoming matchup.

A test of the Governors’ depth

On paper, the Governors look like they will come out of Friday’s matchup with an unscathed record, especially since they trashed the Mustangs in the preseason, 68-38. However, Farrington will be without three players whom are participating in the 4th annual Polynesian All-American Bowl Saturday. These three players are Jacob McEnroe, Mason Semisi, and Manly Williams, all key players in the Governors’ rotation.

McEnroe’s absence will have the biggest impact on the team’s overall performance. The 6-foot-3 senior brings experience and leadership to the team, and is regarded as one of the best players in the OIA. Replacing McEnroe in the lineup will most likely be Tua Unatoa, a 5-foot-10 junior who has averaged 6.4 points per game in league play.

Semisi and Williams are an integral part to the Governors’ bench, providing high activity around the basket. Semisi also possesses some post moves in the lane, giving the team versatility when they want to go to a more power-based lineup. Starting center Seu Luafatasaga will have to play more minutes and keep himself out of foul trouble in order for the Governors to have solid play in the paint.

Contrary to popular belief, McEnroe isn’t the leading scorer of the team; nor is he the second. Guards Isaiah Visoria and Van Hugo leads the team in scoring – 13.8 and 13 points per game respectively – and will have to come up big to make up for McEnroe’s missing 12 points per game average. The Governors run a lot of high-ball screens to allow Visoria to attack the basket and Hugo is regarded as one of the best shooters on the team by Farrington coach Allan Silva. Point guard Isaiah Smith should also seen an uptick in his scoring.

Replacing a heavy-laden senior team

Kalaheo took a hit this year, losing all but Kupa’a Harrison and Alec Macleod to graduation in May 2013. One of the key newcomers on the 2014 squad is sophomore point guard Kekai Smith, the nephew of Kalaheo coach Alika Smith. The younger Smith has really come on strong lately, averaging 18.3 points per game over the last three contests. 

Another important contributor for the team is guard Zach Marrotte. His game is a little raw, but can put the ball in the hoop when he gets his number called. An integral part of the Mustangs limited bench is Kela Thomas. He doesn’t provide much scoring, but he makes up for it with great hustle, going after loose balls and offensive rebounds on a loop. 

One guy who should have a breakout game is post L.J. Barnes. He is a long, energetic big who should have a big game with Farrington missing some of their interior players. If Barnes can contribute with some buckets in the lane, this will free things up for Harrison and the guards outside.

Defending a MVP-caliber player 

Speaking of Harrison, the Governors will face the tall task of defending one of the top players in the OIA. Harrison, a junior with a year of varsity experience, is third in scoring amongst the OIA Red Division, averaging 16.2 points per game. Not only is he long and athletic in the paint, but also he is also skilled from long-range.

Without McEnroe out, Silva will employ a group effort in hopes of limiting Harrison’s effectiveness. Harrison will most likely look to impose his will on the Governors’ defense, setting the tone for a hungry Mustangs’ team. Hugo, Unatoa and Laufatasaga will all see time guarding Harrison, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Laufatasaga is the lengthiest of the trio, but as aforementioned before, he needs to keep out of foul trouble. It will be interesting to see how this matchup plays out. 

Final thoughts 

For both teams, Friday’s matchup provides more than jockeying for position in the standings. This will be a chance for Farrington to make statement to the rest of the state and firmly established themselves as the ones to beat in the OIA. Missing some key guys in this game might be detrimental to the team, but it’s moments of adversity like this that builds champions.

Kalaheo will also be looking to make a statement. After losing almost their entire squad to graduation, the chances for a three-peat seemed bleak. A victory tonight will show that the Mustangs are still around, a sleeper team that could win it all again. 

For those interested in this matchup, the game will be streamed on scoringlive.com and simulcast on the NBC Sports Radio on AM1500. Felipe Ojastro will have the call for you when the game tips off at 7:00 p.m.