HILO — Konawaena boys basketball coach Donny Awa won’t mind if his first impression is wrong.
In fact, he’s already second-guessing himself for thinking too far ahead.
The expansive high school preseason affords teams ample opportunity to improve, and the Wildcats have taken advantage.
“I was thinking next year,” Awa said, “but we have a chance (this year), we’re right in the mix. We have a chance to be really good.”
Konawaena’s roster checks most of the boxes, whether it be shooting, height, athleticism or chemistry.
Many coaches are praising their team’s attitude this time of year – the season is still young – but Awa adds a caveat.
“I dealt with some bad attitudes last year, so it’s been night and day this year,” he said. “Everybody gets along, even the guys who are not playing are staying positive on the bench.”
Through two preseason tournaments – the Wildcats were 2-2 at Waiakea-Keaau and 2-1 at Hilo High – the three steadiest performers have been guard Aldrin Gadot, guard/forward Kainoa “Boo” Jones and forward Elisha Martin. The junior offers an intriguing inside presence to go along with Kahiau Holzgrove, who just completed his first week back on the court after recuperating from an broken ankle.
Gadot and Holzgrove made honorable mention all-BIIF last season, and Jones is a transfer from Kealakehe who already made his mark as the quarterback on Konawaena’s football team.
“One of the better outside shooting teams I’ve ever had,” Awa said.
One his most accurate players from the outside is point guard James Von Kaenel, who injured his ankle in the semifinals of the Holiday Prep Classic and missed the Wildcats’ overtime 53-44 loss to Hilo in the final Saturday night.
Konawaena has one more preseason trip to make to Maui, and it’s scheduled to open its BIIF season Dec. 17 at Pahoa.
“Finishing around the baskets and decision-making need to improve,” Awa said. “We’re not closing out games very well.”
If Konawaena can knock down shots, that will make it all the harder for teams to guard the Wildcats on the inside, where Awa thinks the Wildcats can be formidable and present matchup problems. Gerald Galiza and Nicholas Lubke bring depth of the bench.
“They’d start for a lot of teams,” Awa said. “We’re looking to go to our bigs. If we can establish some interior play, not many BIIF teams can defend us.”
On defense, Konawaena wants to use Martin and his 6-foot-2 frame as a rim protector by matching him up with a nonshooter.
“Have him patrol the basket and it frees guys on the perimeter to put more pressure on the ball knowing that Elisha is back there,” Awa said.
Konawaena’s last BIIF Division I title came when it won its third in a row in 2015. The Wildcats looked primed for more but have watched Waiakea win three of the past fourth crowns, with Kamehameha winning in 2018. The Vikings ended the Wildcats season’ in the semifinals last season, denying them a berth at the HHSAA tournament for the first time since 2012.
“I think we’ve got good upside,” Awa said. “I think Waiakea is ahead of the curve on everybody right now. Hilo almost looks in midseason form already.”
