BEST OF NĀ 'ĀINA

Jina Ramsey

Victory for Honolulu's Swish 3rd/4th Grade Team in the Inaugural BEST OF NĀ 'ĀINA 5th Grade Division

Honolulu Swish Clinches 5th Grade Division Title at BEST OF NĀ 'ĀINA Tournament

In a remarkable feat, the Honolulu Swish basketball team emerged victorious in the 5th grade division championship at the prestigious BEST OF NĀ 'ĀINA tournament. What makes their triumph even more impressive is that they achieved this milestone without a single 5th grade player on their roster. Led by the dynamic duo of Major Hamilton and JJ Chandler, the Honolulu Swish showcased incredible talent and determination, earning them the coveted BEST OF NĀ 'ĀINA title.

Game 1:

The opening game for Honolulu Swish proved to be a tough challenge, as they initially struggled against taller and faster opponents, trailing by 16 points at halftime. However, the team showed resilience and tactical brilliance in the second half. With JJ Chandler, Jasper, and Logan leading the charge, they staged a remarkable comeback, attacking the basket and capitalizing on free throws. The opposition, NextGen, faced foul trouble, which further worked in Honolulu Swish's favor, eventually leading to a hard-fought 45-41 victory.

Game 2:

Having learned from their initial slow start, the Honolulu Swish approached Game 2 against the talented West Side Warriors with greater determination. The match remained closely contested throughout, with neither team holding a lead greater than seven points. In the final minute, Honolulu Swish demonstrated their tenacity on defense, forcing a crucial turnover and capitalizing on JJ Chandler's scoring prowess. Major's crucial rebound and put-back gave them a one-point advantage. The team's defensive efforts held strong in the closing seconds, securing a thrilling 1-point win.

Game 3:

With the Championship within reach, the Honolulu Swish took on OC in the decisive Game 3. Focused on stifling OC's main scorer, they built a commanding 15-point lead in the first half. The second half saw the Honolulu Swish dominate, extending their advantage to a resounding 22-point victory, solidifying their claim to the BEST OF NĀ 'ĀINA Championship.

Overall, the BEST OF NĀ 'ĀINA tournament proved to be an exceptional experience, bringing together the finest teams from the island. The Honolulu Swish eagerly anticipates the tournament's growth and eagerly welcomes mainland teams to join in the competition next year. This victory marks a significant milestone for the team, a testament to their skill, teamwork, and unwavering spirit on the court.