HILO The ILWU Statewide Sports Program finally made a comeback after being put on hold for three years due to COVID precautions. The 40th Statewide Basketball Tournament was held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Andrew's Gym in Hilo. Three teams showed up to compete: a team from the Big Island "Da Crew," a team from Kauai, and a team from Hawaii Stevedores, Inc. (HSI) from Oahu.
Game 1
The first game was between Kauai and HSI. HSI scored first, followed quickly by a three pointer by Kauai. HSI secured a lead by the first half where the score was HSI 28 - Kauai 19. In the end, HSI kept leading and walked away with the score at 46-23.
Game 2
The second game was between "Da Crew" took the lead at halftime with 32 to Kauai's 17. Kauai played hard in spite of not having as many substitutes than the other teams. The final score was Big Island 70, Kauai 39.
Game 3
The championship game was between Oahu's HSI and Big Island's "Da Crew." The same match-up happened for the past two championship games in 2018 and 2019, so this game brought some spirited competitive fire! HSI scored first, but then Big Island scored a swift series of three pointers in a row. Within the first few minutes the score was HSI 8 and Big Island 22. At the halftime buzzer Oshen Cazimero from "Da Crew" sank a
three pointer marking the halfway score at 42-22 with Big Island leading. In the second half with two minutes left, HSI caught up with 51- 62, but ultimately could not close the gap in time. The final score was 60 Oahu and 70 Big Island with Big Island taking the state championship.
Camaraderie and Solidarity
All teams headed to the Hilo ILWU Hall after the tournament for a luncheon and awards ceremony. Thank you to Hawaii Division (Division Director Elmer Gorospe, Sports Coordinator/Business Agent Jennifer Yadao, and Business Agents Tristie Licoan, Dylan Gaspar, Michael Dela Cruz and Malcolm Osaki) for hosting the tournament and Local Secretary- Treasurer and Statewide Sports Coordinator Michael Victorino, Jr. for working hard to make this a fun- filled event for the membership and their families. Much appreciation to the Sports Coordinators from other islands who helped ensure their team's participation as well: Daniel La'a from Kauai and KK Kamai from Oahu.
State Champions, Team Big Island "Da Crew": Front L-R: Jeffrey Franciso (dependent to Myra Francisco Mauna Kea Beach Hotel), Ryan Bautista Fairmont Orchid, Ryzen Bautista (dependent to Ryan Bautista), Tyris Perez (dependent to Japheth Perez Fairmont Orchid), Reeve Cazimero Waikoloa Village Golf Course. Back L-R: Justin Agbayani (dependent to Cherry Agbayani Hilton Waikoloa Village), Legend Libron (dependent to Blaine Crabbe), Javan Perez (Fairmont Orchid, Oshen Cazimero (dependent to Reeve Cazimero)
2nd Place, Team Hawaii Stevedores Inc. (HSI) from Oahu: Front: KK Kamai, Kamalu Umu. Row 2: Arnold Orpilla, Jr., Thomas llae-Timoteo, Blayne Dikito, Sean Dacuycuy. Row 3: Louis Mansanas, Sy Delizo, Chad Akana, Guyson Amina. Row 4: AJ Forsythe, Eugene Paaluhi, Jr., Collin Mansanas, Case Purdy, Micah Dunhour.
3rd Place, Team Kauai: Front sitting: Business Agent Daniel La'a. First row standing: lan Salumag, Eric Vicoy, Romulo Punzalan, Gayrald Matias (all from Grand Hyatt Kauai). Back: Christian Acob from Mid Pac Auto Center, Anson Yasay from Grand Hyatt Kauai.