Sports In The Spotlight
By Alexi Jimeno
On Saturday, Mar. 2, both the men and women’s basketball teams played in their last games of the regular season (apart from the Pacific West Conference Championships) against Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU) at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Since it was the last game of the regular season, senior day festivities took place to honor the six graduating seniors; Kamalu Kamakawiwoole, Zoar Nedd, Drew Yezbak, Cameron Wall, Kalique Mitchell, and Charles Elzie III. Many families, friends, and regular basketball fans attended the afternoon games to show their support for the Vulcans. The energy from the crowds along with the hard work and drive from our Hilo teams led to a double victory. The women’s basketball team won at the final score of 63-54 and the men’s team won at 70-52. Overall, a great end to the Spring ‘24 UH Hilo basketball season.
Senior Kamalu Kamakawiwoʻole (2) shooting a free throw in her last game at UH Hilo
The women's basketball team giving Kamakawiwoʻole a group hug to commemorate their last game together
Cameron Wall (2) receives a lei from head coach Kaniela Aiona
One of the five graduating seniors on the men's team, Zoar Nedd (20)
Drew Yezbak (10) walking up with his parents during the senior day ceremony
Senior Charles Elzie III (3) could not be at his last game due to a family emergency so his team saved his spot with his jersey