PAIA — On December 9, 2017 teams from Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island gathered on Maui for the 37th State Basketball Tournament. Maui Division hosted the tournament at Paia Gym and encouraged fun and sportsmanship.

Semi-finals 
The first semi-final game was between Oahu (Unit 4404 Pepsi Beverages Company) and Maui Longshore. Pepsi scored first, but Maui followed up in quick succession.

The final score resulted in 52 for Pepsi and 43 for Maui.

The second semi-final game was between Kauai and the Big Island. Big Island scored first with a three pointer, followed by Kauai with a three pointer of their very own. In the end the score was 55 Big Island and 30 for Kauai.

Consolation game 
The consolation game between Kauai and Maui was exciting from start to finish. They were neck and neck right through and tied until the last second. Maui scored at the buzzer, resulting in Maui 54 and Kauai 52.

Championship game The championship game between Big Island and Pepsi was close from the get-go.

With 1:43 left in the game the teams were tied at 35-35. In the end, the Big Island decisively turned it in their favor and won with 42 and Pepsi 36.

Sportsmanship Award Team Kauai: Front L-R: Joel Green (husband of Kauai Division Director Pamela Green), Sean Bisarra Unit 3515 St. Regis Princeville, ArJay Baniaga Unit 3515, Emery Souza Unit 3511 Grand Hyatt Kauai. Back L-R: Angelo Ladera Unit 3511, Keane-Shane Agot Unit 3515, Cody Dolor Unit 3515, Severino Butay Jr. Unit 3511.

Individual awards 
Most Valuable Player: Ryan Bautista (Big Island) 
3-Point Shooting: Emery Souza (Kauai)

Teamwork makes the dream work 
The tournament and awards luncheon was organized by hardworking people from the Maui Division: Business Agents Joe Aquino, Steven Lee, Jerrybeth De Mello, Nicole De Rego, Bobby Andrion, Clerks Joycelyn Victorino and Joyce Naruse.

State Sports Coordinator Teddy Espeleta also assisted along with Business Agents Brian Tanaka from Oahu, and Corinna Salmo from the Big Island.

“Proud of you boys!” said Big Island Business Agent Corinna Salmo (center). Front L-R: Chase Cazimero Unit 1513 Waikoloa Village Golf Course, Chance Pang Unit 1517 Hilton Waikoloa Village, Salmo, Reeve Cazimero Unit 1513, Ryan Bautista Unit 1503 Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Back L-R: Christian Kapeliela, John Allan Antonio Unit 1517, Darin Puckett Unit 1513, Cameron Naihe-Tabiolo Unit 1503, Kenneth Kapeliela Unit 1516 DHL Mahi Staffing, Ryan Carvalho Unit 1516.

Runner-up Team Oahu (Unit 4404 Pepsi Beverages Company): Back L-R: Corey Shippy, Lekeli Watanabe, Gaylen Teraoka, Daniel Zane, Marcus Fonoti, Jerry Cabayan, Tim Rose, Maurice Johnson. Front: L-R: Jason Haskell, Brad Guillermo, Leonid Manayan, Dayna Ohelo. Pictured at left is Oahu Business Agent Brian Tanaka and Maui Business Agent Joe Aquino organizing the three point shoot-out.

3rd Place Team Maui Longshore: Front L-R: Sam Ka`aihue (coach) Unit 2201, Mike Deponte Unit 2201, Mark Albino Unit 2501, Wayne Naruse Unit 2201. Back L-R: Nahe Noa Unit 2201, Keaka Sardine Unit 2201, John Lapez Unit 2501, Kalua Noa Unit 2201, Erwin Decoite Unit 2201, Brad Scott Unit 2201. Not pictured: Jackie Ka`aihue

Congratulations to all teams for playing with heart and keeping the ILWU Sports Program fun year after year!