Honokaa knew Kamehameha was much faster in transition on the basketball court, so the best strategy was to slow down the tempo on Friday.
First-year coach Aaron Tanimoto’s stall-ball strategy worked to perfection as the Dragons upset the Warriors 29-28 in a BIIF Division II showdown at Honokaa Armory.
It easily qualifies as the upset of the year, and that distinction will likely carry over into the season.
Kamehameha (2-1) has won the last two BIIF titles and finished runner-up twice at the HHSAA tournament. Honokaa (3-1) was in Division I the last two seasons and didn’t qualify for states.