History has a way of repeating itself, and it’s no different when it comes to the Pearl City boys bowling team.<\/p>\n
Last fall, the Pearl City Chargers became the first program ever to win a fourth straight boys high school state bowling title in Hawaii.<\/p>\n
Eleven months later, Pearl City has the look of a team ready to add to its legacy, beginning with Thursday’s OIA individual and team boys bowling championships.<\/p>\n
The event begins at 2:30 p.m. at Schofield Bowling Center.<\/p>\n
“They’ve been there already, and they can handle the pressure situations,” said head coach Jimmy Hayashi, whose team is seeking a fifth straight OIA title. “They’ve stayed motivated because the seniors want to win a fourth title in a row as our two seniors from last year’s team did.”<\/p>\n
Hayashi was referring to Nicholas Azumi and Ken Hayase-Fong, who finished first and second, individually, at last November’s state tournament.<\/p>\n
Both standout bowlers left Pearl City with large shoes to fill, but the Chargers have seen little drop-off in results this fall.<\/p>\n
In four-year seniors Keenan Kihara (222 season average) and Aaron Rafael (197), the Chargers have the leadership they needed, according to Hayashi.<\/p>\n
“Keenan has a good attitude, and he’s good-natured,” Hayashi said. “He brings up the team’s morale, and they all have fun at practice.<\/p>\n
“Aaron is on the quiet side — he minds his own business — and gets the job done.”<\/p>\n
Hayashi also has high hopes this weekend for Ryan Kajihiro (222), Kristopher Yadao (230), Skyler Wakumoto (207), Bryan Doi (182) and Bradley Nakamura (207).<\/p>\n
All are projected to qualify for the state tournament.<\/p>\n
“They’ve been (performing) a little above where they’re supposed to be and shooting above their average,” said Hayashi. “They’ve been doing well.<\/p>\n
“Kapolei is also a team to watch. They’re very good.”<\/p>\n
As was the case last year, team unity has remained a strength.<\/p>\n
“They’ve just gelled together — team morale is strong,” he said. “They’re so close to each other, they’re almost like family.”<\/p>\n
Following Thursday’s OIA finals, Pearl City will have some extra time to prepare for the Oct. 30-Nov. 1 state bowling championships in Kona.<\/p>\n
jackster.1969@yahoo.com<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" History has a way of repeating itself, and it’s no different when it comes to the Pearl City boys bowling..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[107],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44442","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-west-oahu-sports"],"yoast_head":"\n