No medals have been handed out yet, but Kealakehe and Kamehameha were the biggest winners on day 1 of the HHSAA wrestling championships.
Each team had four wrestlers go unscathed Wednesday as 10 BIIF competitors advanced to Thursday’s semifinals at Blaisdell Center in Honolulu.
The Waveriders’ Kobby Faeldonea, a four-time league champion, and Anthony Gopaul, were the only BIIF boys to reach the semifinals, while on the girls side Kealakehe’s Roxie Umu and Konawaena’s Kapoina Bailey each reeled off two pins and will have a chance to defend their state championships.
In the 168-pound division, the second-seeded Bailey could be on a collision course with Leilehua’s Kelani Corbett, the top seed the who is seeking to become the fifth Hawaii girl to win four state titles.
Umu continues her quest in 184 class in the semis against Kamehameha-Kapalama’s Anela Kahuli Apo.
Kamehameha-Hawaii girls performed strongly in the lower weight divisions of the girls bracket, with Tehya Caceras (122) and Kuuipo Chan (127) appearing to face the toughest tasks in the semis. Up next for Caceras is Kamehameha-Kapalama senior Ashley Gooman, who is vying for her third state title, while Chan draws Nanea Estrella, a Lahainaluna junior trying for a threepeat.
Like her twin sister, the Warriors’ Kanani Chan (132) also advanced unseeded, beating Kapaa’s Ini Marshall, the fourth seed, 10-5 in the quarterfinals.
The Warriors’ Kiki Motta, the third seed, picked up two pins Wednesday, as did Hilo’s Lilliana Campbell (97).
At 225, Kealakehe’s Myra Liufau was the only non-BIIF champion to reach the semifinals. Hilo’s Leona Toledo, the second seed, lost her first match Wednesday before pinning Keaau’s Zyann Pavao in a consolation match to remain in medal contention.
Among the other BIIF wrestlers who will continue in consolation action are Kealakehe’s Setu Vole, the second seeded heavyweight and Malosi Abraham (220), as well as Waiakea’s Brayden Spain (113) and Caleb Shimaoka (126).
