'Iolani Prep Classic GIRLS BASKETBALL: No. 11-ranked Dr. Phillips (Orlando) highlights loaded field

By Wes Nakama
HHSAA

Dr. Phillips High School, the No. 11-ranked girls basketball team in USA Today's Super 25, highlights the Sixth Annual 'Iolani Girls Prep Classic which tips off Thursday with four first-round games.

The eight-team tournament begins with Lahainaluna vs. Oregon City (Ore.) at 3:30 p.m., followed by Dr. Phillips vs. Jin Ling (Nan Jing, China) at 5, Maryknoll vs. Southlake (Texas) at 6:30 and 'Iolani vs. Moanalua at 8.

The tournament continues Friday and wraps up Saturday, with all games at 'Iolani's lower gym.

Dr. Phillips return three key players from last year's team which finished 30-4 and ranked No. 14 in the nation. The Panthers are led by their junior backcourt duo of point guard Sydney McCaskill (12 points and 8 assists per game) and shooting guard Taryn Griffey (16 ppg, 7.5 rebounds per game), and senior forward Hannah Schaible (12.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg).

Southlake features two standout returnees from a conference championship team that went 31-4 and finished the season ranked second in the state. Kennedy Leonard, a 5-foot-9 sophomore combo guard, is regarded as one of the top 10 players in the country. Senior point guard Kami Mickens has committed to play for Boston College next season.

Oregon City returns several players from a conference championship team that went 25-3 and finished last season ranked No. 4 in the state. Senior point guard Montana Walters (10 ppg, 8 apg) and senior post Johanna Paine (13 ppg, 9 rpg) have committed to play for Santa Clara. 

Another post player, Catelyn Preston, has committed to Northern Arizona.

Jin Ling went 20-2 last season and finished ranked No. 3 in China.

Defending state runner-up 'Iolani highlights the local teams. The Raiders will be led by senior post Alex Masaquel, senior forward Abrianna Johnson-Edwards and junior forward Jade Botelho.