Darius Olloway, a 6-foot-4 senior, is the only starter back for the Kamehameha basketball team, which is loaded with promising young talent.
Besides Olloway, seniors Braedy Yamada and Logan Watterson also saw minutes on the court in 2020, when the Warriors won the BIIF Division I championship.
Coach Mea Wong likes the potential of sophomore guard Kaleb Guerrero and freshman guards Nixis Yamauchi and Kiai Yasso, the brother of Kaupena Yasso, a 2021 Kamehameha graduate, who’s playing ball at Castleton University, a Division III school in Vermont.
The Warriors haven’t played any preseason games and open BIIF play at Ka’u on Friday.
“From what I’ve seen so far, we compete at a high level at practice,” Wong said. “We’re excited to play new blood. This is week 4, and we’ve been beating up each other. I only watched Hilo and Konawaena online. We’re young in experience and age.”
“We’ll play typical Kamehameha basketball, a lot of man, move the ball on offense. We’ve got size. Besides Watterson (a 5-8 guard), everyone is 5-10 or taller. Darius is 6-4.”
The defense will be anchored by Olloway, whose height and mobility make him a rim protector.
“He’s long and jumping out of the gym,” Wong said. “If he remembers not to try and block every shot and stays out of foul trouble, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with this year.
“He’s got a decent stroke, but he hasn’t played a varsity game since he was a sophomore (in 2020). His shot looks good. It’s gotten a lot better.”
Yamada, who’s 6 feet, is a versatile player while Watterson, despite his size, is one of the strongest on the team.
“Braedy can put the ball on the ground, go to the rim, and shoot the 3. He can do a little bit of everything,” Wong said. “Logan is a really good shooter. He’s physically strong. He’s probably the strongest in the weight room. He’s really poised when he has the ball. He never rushes, is under control when he attacks he basket.”
Guerrero, who’s 6 feet, will start at point guard, and Wong appreciates his worker-bee mentality.
“He’s really basketball smart. He’s always looking to make the extra pass. He’s our hardest worker every day at practice,” Wong said. “The kid works his butt off. He’ll be the leader of the program for the next few years. He’s a good kid, really good attitude.”
Yamauchi, a 5-11 freshman, will share point guard duties and bring his savvy floor skills.
“He’s really steady and has a quiet demeanor,” Wong said. “He’ll bring a calming presence, and he’s another one to watch grow. He’ll be a special kid.”
That’s the same description Wong has for Yasso, a 6-foot freshman with an endless motor.
“He’s going to be special. His ability to attack the basket is really good,” Wong said. “It’ll be difficult to stay with him. He’s not built like a freshman. On the court, he goes 110 mph. He just has to figure out how to downshift. Sometime going 90 mph is more effective. He’s relentless, and I’m looking forward to coaching him and watching him go.”
