Honolulu Swish Dominates AAU Shaka Tournament: 6th & 8th Grade Teams Claim Championship Titles

by admin

February 27, 2025

Honolulu Swish Dominates the AAU Shaka Tournament: 6th & 8th Grade Claim Championships, 5th Grade Takes Silver

The AAU Shaka Tournament proved to be an unforgettable weekend for Honolulu Swish, with both the 6th and 8th-grade boys’ teams going undefeated to claim the championship, while the 5th-grade squad fought hard to take home the silver medal.

8th Grade Sets the Tone with Record-Breaking Start

Honolulu Swish 8th Grade opened the tournament in dominant fashion on Friday night, launching an incredible 38-0 run against Iron Will Lions. The boys controlled the game from start to finish, securing a commanding 70-13 victory, marking the largest margin of victory in Honolulu Swish history at the time.

5th Grade Battles Past Jazz Ohana

The 5th Grade team started strong with a tough, hard-fought victory over Jazz Ohana. Both teams were familiar with each other, leading to an intense back-and-forth battle. However, Honolulu Swish had the final push, pulling away late to claim their first win of the tournament.

Day 2: A Full Slate of Wins

6th Grade (Team Hawaii) Faces Early Challenge

The 6th Grade team, known as “Team Hawaii,” faced off against Wilson Park Crew in the morning. Wilson came prepared, making it a competitive game, but Team Hawaii’s size proved to be a key advantage as they secured a 67-57 victory.

In Game 2, Team Hawaii took on Takeover, another familiar opponent. Takeover’s big man matched up well in height, but Team Hawaii’s depth and offensive firepower were too much to handle, resulting in a dominant 70-38 win.

8th Grade vs. Kona Stingrays

Honolulu Swish 8th Grade matched up against the Kona Stingrays from the Big Island, a well-coached team known for switching defensive schemes on every possession. Despite the defensive adjustments, Swish’s inside presence and strong guard play led to a 48-23 victory, keeping their championship hopes alive.

5th Grade’s Resilience Against Maui Rebels

The 5th Grade team continued to battle, securing a tough victory over Maui Rebels. An 8-0 run in the second half proved to be the difference, giving Honolulu Swish another key win as they pushed toward the championship round.

Championship Sunday: Finishing the Job

Final Pool Play Dominance

Before heading into the championship rounds, both the 5th and 6th Grade teams wrapped up pool play with dominant performances.

5th Grade vs. Fly Pan: Honolulu Swish cruised to a 54-19 victory, emptying the bench and getting everyone on the scoresheet.
6th Grade vs. Open Court: Team Hawaii set a new club record by scoring 91 points in a 91-15 blowout, also securing the club’s largest margin of victory in history.

Championship Showdowns

All three Honolulu Swish teams advanced to the championship round:

8th Grade vs. Open Court
6th Grade (Team Hawaii) vs. Kekela
5th Grade vs. SteadyDrip

8th Grade Championship: Honolulu Swish vs. Open Court

This highly anticipated matchup featured two talented and well-coached teams. Honolulu Swish started with full-court pressure, but Open Court broke the press effectively to stay in the game early. Midway through the first half, Swish settled into their “11” man-zone defense, increasing ball pressure and forcing turnovers. This adjustment helped Swish build a 20-point lead before halftime.

However, Open Court responded with an 8-0 run to start the second half, cutting the lead to single digits. After a much-needed timeout, Honolulu Swish regained control behind dominant inside play from Austin and sharp outside shooting from ZBO, ultimately securing a 73-64 victory to claim the 8th Grade Level 1 Shaka Championship.

5th Grade Championship: Honolulu Swish vs. SteadyDrip

The 5th Grade Championship featured a battle of undefeated teams. SteadyDrip entered as a “big and skilled” team, according to Coach Chandler. Honolulu Swish tried to keep the ball out of the hands of SteadyDrip’s dominant center, but their opponents’ quick ball movement made trapping difficult.

Despite a strong effort, including Micah opening the game with back-to-back three-pointers, SteadyDrip pulled away in the second half. The Swish 5th graders fought hard but ultimately fell short, taking home the silver medal after a tough championship loss.

6th Grade Championship: Team Hawaii vs. Kekela

For the third consecutive week, Team Hawaii and Kekela met in an AAU championship showdown. With a 4-0 record against Kekela coming into the game, both teams were extremely familiar with each other.

This time, Honolulu Swish adjusted by immediately shifting into a high man-zone defense, aiming to shut down Kekela’s perimeter shooting. Kekela countered with a full-court press, face-guarding JJ Chandler for the full length of the court and doubling Major and Jayzen in the post.

This defensive strategy created scoring opportunities for Logan, Jasper, and Kendrick, who attacked the basket against single defenders to put points on the board. Kekela kept it close, cutting the lead to just two points late in the first half, but Team Hawaii responded with a 10-2 run to regain control.

The second half turned into one of the most bizarre moments of the tournament, as the scoreboard lost power, forcing teams to finish the game without seeing the score or time. Each team relied on a designated assistant to call out the score and time, adding to the intensity.

Despite the unusual circumstances, Team Hawaii kept their composure and locked in defensively, pulling away for a 56-40 victory to claim the 6th Grade Level 1 Shaka Championship. For JJ, Logan, Major, and Jasper, this marked their third consecutive Shaka Championship, solidifying their status as a dominant force in Hawaii AAU basketball.

Honolulu Swish Continues to Build Momentum

The AAU Shaka Tournament was a testament to the hard work, talent, and resilience of Honolulu Swish. With two championship victories and a silver medal performance, the club continues to prove itself as a powerhouse in youth basketball.

As the season progresses, Honolulu Swish is hungry for more—and with the momentum they’ve built, it’s clear that this program is one to watch in the Hawaii AAU circuit.

Championship Results Recap:

8th Grade Champions – Honolulu Swish (Def. Open Court 73-64)

6th Grade Champions – Team Hawaii (Def. Kekela 56-40)

5th Grade Silver Medalists – Honolulu Swish (Lost to SteadyDrip)

The future is bright for Honolulu Swish, and the journey is just getting started!

News, Team

by John Chandler

August 6, 2023

2023 PHENOM NATIONAL CAMP

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Jina Ramsey

Honolulu Swish Shines at Prestige Phenomamerica Jr. Basketball Camp in Anaheim

Last weekend, the Honolulu Swish basketball team sent four exceptional players, JJ Chandler, Logan, Xander, and Jonny, to represent them at the prestigious Jr. Phenon Camp held in Anaheim. The camp brought together an impressive roster of 790 players from around the world, showcasing top talents in the sport.

The first day of the camp was bustling with activity, and it was evident that the sheer number of participants created some confusion for both players and parents in understanding the schedules and locations. However, amidst the organized chaos, the Honolulu Swish players quickly found their footing and prepared to make their mark on the court.

JJ Chandler was paired up with Team Kentucky, an elite team that included standout players from Chicago, New York, Alabama, and Australia. Team Kentucky exhibited their prowess throughout the camp, finishing with a perfect 5-0 record and proudly claiming the self-proclaimed championship.

Aside from the intense on-court action, the camp also featured valuable classes on nutrition and film sessions. Daily skill sessions were packed with insightful training, although some anticipated trainers, like Jordan Lawley, were regrettably absent. Nonetheless, Gavin Baker stepped in and shared valuable insights on court spacing and game control.

The camp games presented a unique challenge for the Swish players as they differed from the style of play they were accustomed to. As an exposure camp, it became evident that many players were focused on showcasing their individual skills, prioritizing personal scoring over making the right basketball play. However, the Honolulu Swish players swiftly adapted to the situation, making strategic adjustments to their game.

With a more aggressive approach, they showed determination in attacking the ball and prioritizing defensive efforts to create opportunities for their own shots. Their adaptability and teamwork shone through as they found a balance between individual brilliance and collective play.

Rumors began to circulate that JJ Chandler was among the top contenders for an all-star nomination in his division. However, due to missing the optional 7am workout session, his chances of being selected were unfortunately eliminated. Nevertheless, his exceptional performance on the court was evident, and his contributions were recognized by both teammates and opponents alike.

The Honolulu Swish players left a lasting impression at the camp, displaying not only their basketball skills but also their ability to adjust their game and collaborate as a team. Despite the unique challenges they faced, their passion and dedication to the sport remained unwavering, making them a formidable force in the world of youth basketball.

Hawaii was well-represented at the camp, boasting a total of seven players, including JJ Chandler, Kendrick, Logan, Jace, Xander, Jonny, Jaden, and AJ. The presence of these talented athletes from Honolulu highlighted the basketball talent that thrives in Hawaii.

The Jr. Phenomamerica Camp provided an excellent platform for young players to showcase their skills and learn from experienced trainers. The Honolulu Swish players demonstrated their dedication and talent, making a positive impact at the camp and leaving a lasting impression on the basketball community.

News

Swish Honolulu Emerges as the First Nationally Ranked Hawaii Youth Basketball Team

by admin

June 16, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Swish Honolulu Emerges as the First Hawaii Youth Basketball Team Nationally Ranked with Grassroots365

Honolulu, HI – June 15, 2023 – Swish Honolulu, a trailblazing youth basketball team, proudly announces its historic achievement as the first Hawaii team to secure a national ranking with Grassroots365. The team has achieved an outstanding position of #8 in the country, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s short two year history. This accomplishment underscores the team’s commitment to excellence and positions them as a force to be reckoned within the competitive youth basketball landscape following their impressive showing in Anaheim, California, this spring.

Led by Head Coach John Chandler, the team has relentlessly pursued their passion for basketball, pushing their limits and raising the bar for youth basketball in Honolulu and beyond. Prior to their national ranking with Grassroots365, Swish Honolulu’s Elite 10U Travel team had already achieved the #1 ranking in Jam On It Las Vegas, #1 ranking in AAU Hawaii, #1 ranking in Jam On It Hawaii, and #1 ranking in YBOA Hawaii to name a few.

Swish Honolulu’s success story is not only a testament to the extraordinary talents of the players but also to the unwavering support and guidance provided by their dedicated coaching staff and families.

“This group is special, and it’s been a joy to watch them grow over these last two years. We wouldn’t have been able to compete at such a high level without the support of our Swish families and the local community that has made it possible for this team to travel as much as we have. I look forward to everything that lies ahead for these players,” says Coach Chandler.

With their national ranking, Swish Honolulu now joins the ranks of the country’s top youth basketball teams. This recognition provides them with enhanced opportunities for exposure, growth, and competition at the highest levels of the game. Elite 10U Team member and local Oahu resident, Major Hamilton-Yurick, was even named as a Grassroots 365 all-tournament player. Swish Honolulu’s players are ready to face new challenges head-on as they prepare to travel to Las Vegas in July, continuing to push themselves against the best in the country.

Swish Honolulu expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Grassroots365 for acknowledging their accomplishments and providing a platform that recognizes and nurtures the talent of youth athletes. The team would also like to extend its appreciation to their families, sponsors, and supporters for their unwavering belief in their abilities and unwavering support throughout this remarkable journey.

As Swish Honolulu embarks on this new chapter, they remain committed to fostering a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and personal growth. The team’s pursuit of success will continue to inspire young athletes, igniting their passion for basketball and instilling in them the values of dedication, teamwork, and resilience.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Janel Chandler
Team Manager
Swish Honolulu
Phone: (808) 351-8325
Email: jchandler@swishhonolulu.com

About Swish Honolulu:

Swish Honolulu is a youth basketball team based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Comprised of exceptionally talented young athletes, Swish Honolulu is dedicated to developing their skills, fostering teamwork, and promoting a passion for basketball. With their historic achievement as the first nationally ranked team with Grassroots365, Swish Honolulu is poised to make a significant impact on the youth basketball landscape.

About Grassroots365:

Grassroots365 is a leading grassroots basketball organization committed to providing a comprehensive player evaluation and ranking system. Through its network of tournaments, events, and partnerships, Grassroots365 aims to identify, nurture, and promote the most promising young basketball talents, preparing them for success at higher levels of the game.