Punahou Basketball Legacy Powered by Stars Like Laynee Torres-Kahapea

The Tradition of Excellence at Punahou Basketball

Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii has a storied tradition of excellence when it comes to high school basketball. As the largest private school in Hawaii, Punahou attracts some of the top talent across the islands to its campus. Year after year, the Punahou varsity boys and girls basketball teams are competitive both locally and nationally.

Girl's Basketball Success

The Punahou girls basketball program has been especially dominant, powered by a seeming conveyor belt of talent over the past decade. The Buffanblu have won three state championships in the last six seasons alone. In 2021-2022, Punahou cruised to another title led by junior guard Laynee Torres-Kahapea.

The 2022-2023 roster is eager to continue Punahou's winning ways. While Torres-Kahapea has graduated, the Buffanblu return plenty of firepower. Junior guard Mia Takekuma averaged 14 points per game last season as part of a dynamic backcourt duo with Torres-Kahapea. She'll now take on more offensive responsibility and leadership.

Boys Basketball Seeks Return to Glory

Meanwhile, the Punahou boys basketball team will look to return to state championship contender status this winter. The Buffanblu last claimed a state title in 2020 but struggled to just 11 wins last season.

New head coach Kale Ane will install an uptempo style focused on forcing turnovers and scoring easy transition baskets. The roster has an infusion of young talent, led by sophomore wing Mana Silva, that should thrive in Ane's system. The Buffanblu may take some lumps early but expect them to find their form by playoff time.

Star Guard Torres-Kahapea Leaves Lasting Legacy

While no longer suiting up in the blue and white, 2022 graduate Laynee Torres-Kahapea leaves behind a lasting legacy at Punahou. The 5-foot-10 guard capped off her brilliant prep career last winter by averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game en route to a Division I state title.

For her stellar senior season, Torres-Kahapea was named Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year. She etched her name in the state record books as Punahou's all-time leader in points scored with 1,708 over her four seasons of varsity play.

Heading to Portland State University

With high school basketball now behind her, Torres-Kahapea will take her talents to the mainland this fall. She signed a National Letter of Intent to play at the Division I level with Portland State University in Oregon.

"I'm really blessed and grateful to be given such a prestigious award," said Torres-Kahapea after winning Gatorade Player of the Year. "Even though I broke the scoring record, I wouldn't have been able to do it without my teammates passing me the ball."

At Portland State, Torres-Kahapea will join another Punahou basketball alum in sophomore guard Mia Payton. Expect Torres-Kahapea to make an immediate impact for the Vikings when she arrives on campus this summer.

The Future Remains Bright for Punahou Basketball

While saying goodbye to a legendary player like Laynee Torres-Kahapea, there is still much excitement around the future of Punahou basketball. The rich tradition of excellence instilled across the programs should sustain for years to come.

The girls team retains core players eager to defend their state crown. Promising young talent awaits their moment to shine on the boys side under a reimagined system.

And even after Torres-Kahapea's departure, Punahou still has a Pipeline to Division I basketball. The next rising star could be walking the Buffanblu campus right now, waiting for their chance to make their mark.

FAQs

How many state championships has the Punahou girls basketball team won recently?

The Punahou girls basketball team has won 3 state championships in the last 6 seasons, including the 2021-2022 season.

Who was the standout player on the latest state title team?

Junior guard Laynee Torres-Kahapea powered the 2021-2022 championship team by averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game.

What college is Torres-Kahapea attending in the fall?

Torres-Kahapea signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Portland State University beginning with the 2022-2023 season.

Does Punahou have a promising roster this season?

Yes, while they lost Torres-Kahapea to graduation, the Buffanblu girls retain top players like Mia Takekuma. The boys team also has an infusion of young talent ready to shine.