3rd Annual Lahainaluna Invitational Basketball Tournament Starts Today
maui invitational photos courtesy of Kentucky University and Kemper Lesnik
The the 3rd Annual Lahainaluna Invitational continues to grow, with 18 high school boy teams playing at the basketball event that kicks off today December 19th and goes through the 22nd at Lahaina Civic Center. The level and quality of play, participation, and overall development has never been greater. Off the court, fan and sponsor support has grown to match. “It is very much a team relationship between the game and the community” says Dan Williams. “It’s partly because of the improving economy but also because of the reputation and exposure we’re receiving” says Williams as he sites national television coverage of the recent college event and the natural appeal of Maui as main selling features. “We couldn’t ask for better advertising”.
“It’s a win-win situation” says Michael Jokovich, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort
and Spa, host hotel for the Maui Invitational. “The tournament is now a staple for Maui…it creates a
great buzz on and off the island. We work hard to ensure the visiting teams, fans, boosters, and media
enjoy a true Aloha experience and want to return”. KemperLesnik, a Chicago based award-winning
public relations, event management, and sports marketing agency has managed the EA SPORTS Maui
Invitational college basketball tournament since 1990. “The EA SPORTS Maui Invitational is the
premier early-season college basketball tournament and the Lahaina Civic Center has proved to be the
ideal location for this event” says senior vice president Tom Valdiserri. “The execution and growth of
the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational is the collaboration of many people from Maui to the Mainland –
Chaminade University, EA SPORTS, ESPN, community organizations, and other local Maui officials”
adds Valdiserri.
The continuation of the event is good news for local businesses such as the official
food supplier; CJ’S Deli / Diner and Comfort Zone catering. “Obviously it helps the bottom line but I
also receive great exposure too…I recently made 2 wedding bookings as a result” says Chef Christian
Jorgensen. He is also quick to mention that it is important to share this success with the community.
Cont’d“You must give before you can receive…I am all about helping the schools, church and especially
under privileged children”. With this in mind, Jorgensen and other community minded companies have
developed a close working relationship with and in sponsorship of local basketball programs. That
support has helped create awareness and generate increased interest and involvement. This season
over 500 children (ages 5 – 13 ) and 30 coaches will participate in the West Maui Youth Basketball
League. For many it will be an eventual stepping stone to the Lahainaluna program that has not by
coincidence become a perennial power in MIL. There are also now more Luna players than ever
before going on to play collegiate basketball.
3rd ANNUAL LAHAINALUNA INVITATIONAL TEAM PROFILES
ALII CONFERENCE
(MAUKA DIVISION)
Mount Si (WA)…Finished 3rd in King-‐Co ‘AAA’ Seattle League last year.
A learning team that competes hard, plays disciplined offense and hard-‐nosed defense and likes to control the game tempo. Missing 3 key starters due to injury. Excited for the travel adventure that the tournament offers…team desires to learn Hawaii culture and history while having fun and bonding as a team
Redondo Union (SO CAL)…Coming off 2-‐ 2 record as hosts of 60th Annual Pacific Shores tournament. Finished 15-‐13 last year, 2nd in Bay League, 2nd round of CIF-‐SS Div A. This is a young team with only two returning starters. Keep an eye on Derek Biale, Brian Frew, and Ian Fox. This is the 4th trip to Maui in last six years…hoping to win many games and a have a great time in paradise.
San Pedro (SO CAL)…2011 LA City Div 2 final four, 2009 Marine League champs.
A mix of experienced players and talented newcomers. Lack overall height but play hard and compete. Feature all-‐conference players…forward Dashawn Brown and Kenny Potter…also returning guards Adrian Herrera and Desmond Taylor. Representing San Pedro, 80,000 population 25 miles south of LA. School population 3,000. First basketball played at San Pedro high school in 1904. They bring their ‘Pirate’ tradition and pride to whaler town.
Oaks Christian (SO CAL)…From tri valley league…went undefeated won league last year…went on to win Southern section Div 4 ‘A’ championship title. A run and gun game style…up tempo featuring pressing and trapping. Want to play full court game. Watch for 5’10” point guard Chass Bryan 5’10 who has scholarship offers from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UC Davis…6’4’’ forward Jason Ghilarducci …6’1’’ guard Mike Roletti.
Come to win…looking to enjoy a good Hawaii experience…winning, bonding, and just having fun.
(MAKAI DIVISION)
Provo (Utah)…Has won more Utah State titles than any other school…3 in last 10 years. A running team using simple offense with balanced inside outside attack. Good mix of senior-‐sophomore-‐juniors. Watch for 6’7” Jonathan Fluke…starting guards Dallin Bosco and Adam Finch …post players 6’6” Cole Gordon and 6’4” Bryson Hunter. Looking to accomplish sense of team and learn to play tough basketball against good competition during this tournament…to help springboard to a great season.
Mission Viejo (SO CAL)…A young athletic team that likes to press and play up tempo. Players to watch…Evan Zeller, Mike Cramer, Sage Stone, Max Redfield, and Jahlell Pinner. Ranked #4 in Orange County (South Coast League).
Lost CIF finals year in OT…won title in 2004. Looking for a competitive tournament while rewarding players with a trip that will leave an indelible mark on their memory.
White Rock Christian Academy (BC, Canada)…5 time BC Champs…‘AAA’ final four 12 of last 16 years. A guard oriented team that likes to create transition opportunities with defensive pressure. Watch for Sr. Jake Newman one of BC’s best high school players…seniors Kristophe Baergand and Jon Pelling… and juniors Tyrus Allen, Peter Spangehl, Vartan Tanielian, and Provincial tournament MVP, Sam Ykema. Looking forward to competing against high level US teams that will strengthen them when they return home. They look forward to introducing their school and basketball program to others and forging new relationships for their players, coaches, and parents.
Inglewood (SO CAL)…A Division 2 team from the Ocean League…a young (junior heavy) but athletic team that loves to run. Players to watch…Randy Onwuasor, Kris Randall, and Nick Smiley. Looking forward to visiting and playing our best. It is a special opportunity for our team to travel and bond. Aloha, here we come.
MAUI CONFERENCE
Lahaina Lunas…MIL Champions past 2 years…23-‐6 record last year…lost in state quarter finals. Tall, athletic team that likes to run. Features 6’8” center Gavin Kaialii and returning all-‐League forward Folau Tauese. Looking forward to good tournament competition to prepare for league play.
Sullivan Heights (BC, Canada)… Finished 15-‐14 last year in the Fraser Valley Zone of British Columbia ‘AAA’ Basketball. A team of many returning senior players mixed with good juniors. Watch for 6’2” guard Dhan Bains and small forward 6’2” Cole Carey. Looking for tough competitive games to prepare for league play.
Hilo…BIIF runners up last year…champions in 2009…have also qualified for the States for the past two years. This year’s team is small but quick.
Lead by seniors Kainoa Kawaha and Rico Loeak. Their visit represents a chance to travel and experience different competition.
Seabury Hall…Defending MIL Div 2 Champs…15-‐4 record last year.
Good size and athletic but in need of experience. Look for Shane Jacob,
Rocky DeLyon, Kaleb Palmer, and Max DeLyon. Using the Luna tournament to quickly gain experience for the regular season, and build team chemistry. Want to be competitive in every game and improve defense and ball control.
Kamehameha…A young, learning, well balanced team that likes to play hard and have fun. Won MIL titles in 2007-‐08. Looking to improve during this pre-‐ season tournament opportunity. Player and team development is the objective rather than the score board.
MAUI CONFERENCE CONT’D
Baldwin…Bears recently won consolation title at Jimmy Alegre Tournament on Oahu. Perennial powers of MIL Div. 1. Like to play pressure, man-‐man defense and up tempo offense…much of early season success coming off the fast break. Players to watch…two seniors, Gabe Ross (outside shooter) and Pasoni Tasini (inside game). Using the tournament to get better each game on the floor.
King Kekaulike…Continues to rebuild it’s program. Finished 4-‐6 in MIL Div. 1 play last year. They have several (8) returning players from last year. They hope that experience will make them more competitive this year. They are lead by Jacob Havron (post) forward Chase Bartelme and guards Jansen Agapay and Keita Naito. This pre-‐season tournament is an opportunity to look at all their players in game situations in preparation for upcoming league play.
Cowichan (BC, Canada)…from the North Island League (Vancouver island, British Columbia, Canada). Finished 3rd in league play last year. A team with a mix of seniors and sophomores. They get up and down the court in transition and play hard on the defensive end. Using the tournament to improve their game, gain experience playing against unfamiliar teams, and compete against various styles of play.
Molokai… Runners up in MIL Div 2 play last year…Champions in 2009 and went on to finish 4th in States. This year they have a young, small, quick team that works hard to play a transition game . They are lead by two upcoming point guards; David Rapanot and Hauoli Falealii. The boys from the neighboring island are excited for this opportunity to get more game experience, build team chemistry, and bond together.
Maui High… A young quick with lots of upside potential. Coming off a 4-‐8 record in the MIL least year. They are a mix of seniors and juniors and will be lead by Kalvyn Aboy, Lance Canosa, Cheyne Vega, Jalen Polanco, and Keith Tecson. The Sabres feel the Lahainaluna tournament is a perfect opportunity to gain valuable experience against some very good teams.
The tournament tips-off daily at 9:00 AM (except Wednesday…at 8:30 AM) games go every 1 1⁄2 hours. To access the tournament draw (please see attachment 3rd Annual Lahainaluna Invitational Schedule) or visit
facebook LUNA Nation-Lahainaluna Basketball
Admission is $5.00 adults, $3.00 for twelve years of age and under, Free for five years of age and under.
Click below for full schedule:
3rd Annual Lahainaluna Tournament Schedule
Popularity: 2% [?]
