NEWTOWN SQUARE – Justin Rose was searching to regain his stroke Friday evening and desperately trying to make the cut at the PGA Championship.

His chances looked bleak on his final hole of the second round, the par-5 ninth, after his second shot landed in thick rough just short of the green. He needed a birdie in order to play Saturday and Sunday.

He did one better, sinking his chip shot for an eagle.

“It gave me a bit of freedom today,” Rose said Saturday. “Obviously a bit of gratitude just to be here. It offered me the opportunity to go and try and find something within myself and within my game. I relished that opportunity.”

And he took advantage of it. He tied for the low score of the round with a 5-under 65 at Aronimink Golf Club and gave himself a chance to win his second major championship Sunday.

“I got off to a good start, which is exactly what I felt I needed to do,” he said. “I thought we had some beautiful conditions this morning. I put the ball in play off the tee, which I wasn’t able to do for the first two days.

“I hit some really beautiful iron shots into some pins and worked the ball nicely into the right flags or left flags.”

Rose is a favorite of fans in the Philadelphia area. An Englishman, he won the 2013 U.S. Open at nearby Merion Golf Club for his only major title. He also has played well at Aronimink, winning the 2010 AT&T National and losing to Keegan Bradley in a playoff in the 2018 BMW Championship.

“I’ve fortunately done well on these styles of tracks,” he said earlier this week, “and therefore built a nice rapport with Philly. The crowds have kind of sensed that. I do. I get great support out there because of that. It’s been a lot of fun to come back to this part of the country and play.”

Rose became the first golfer this week to reel off four consecutive birdies, on holes 3 through 6. He also birdied No. 9 for a 30 on the front nine. After he birdied the short par-4 13th to get to 6-under for the round, he bogeyed the par-3 14th and then parred out.

“I thought the pins were a little bit easier to read,” he said, explaining the lower scores Saturday. “And the greens are in such good shape, so I think guys were making putts.

“To be honest, the last hour we were on the golf course it started to feel tricky. The wind was picking up and shifting around a little bit.”

His round Saturday was much steadier than the one he had Friday, which included four bogeys, three birdies and two double bogeys. He recently made a change with his irons because he had struggled since tying for third at the Masters last month.

He has had several close calls at the majors. Playing on a course that he described as a “beautiful old-school track” and where he has played well might make a difference Sunday.

“I realize it’s such a bunched leaderboard this week,” he said. “It offered me the opportunity to make a run today and get in the tournament. Whether you felt you could win it or not, two good rounds are going to go a long way this weekend if you made the cut.

“I came in with that mindset and motivation.”

May 16—There's a sizable difference in how the W.F. West High School softball team prepared for a top-of-the-line pitcher this spring compared to 2025.

When the Evergreen Conference was littered with Division I arms — Lilly Camp, Annika Hollingsworth and Ella Ferguson — last season, the Bearcats got multiple reps against high velocity mixed with the sharp off-speed bite and pinpoint accuracy.

That wasn't the case this spring.

And it showed.

Mark Morris ace Makenzie Henthorn overpowered the Bearcats to the tune of 17 strikeouts in leading the GSHL's regular season champs to an 11-0 shutout statement over the EvCo champs on Friday night in the Class 2A District 4 championship game at Recreation Park.

"She was impressive," Bearcats head coach Kevin Zylstra said. "She can flat out bring it and did a great job locating it. We kind of ran into a buzzsaw today."

Only Avery Osborn had multiple at-bats of success versus Henthorn, finishing with W.F. West's lone two hits. Karly Rasmussen didn't strikeout versus the Monarchs' southpaw and Montana recruit.

Her riseball elevated enough to get W.F. West (19-4) swinging early and often. Zylstra compared her velocity to Camp's.

"They're all slightly different pitchers," Zylstra said. "The fact she's left-handed, it is a hard combination to face."

Osborn led off the bottom of the fourth with a base hit, then was picked off on a back-pick a pitch later. Francesca Remund, the lone senior, nearly ripped a double off the bench, but the home plate umpire ruled it foul.

Mark Morris' offense eventually found its footing, turning a 3-0 lead after five frames into a one-sided affair. An RBI double by Shailia Wild was followed by a three-run home run off the barrel of Grace Woodbridge in the sixth.

An inning later, Paisley Fraidenburg took the first pitch from Taylor Tobin over the fence for a solo shot. The last three hits went for extra bases, part of an 11 extra base hit day of the Monarchs 15 knocks.

"They were starting to figure out what we were doing," Zylstra said.

Now, W.F. West awaits its fate for the 2A state tournament. Its last appearance was in 2024, when it made it to Saturday and lost to Aberdeen in the early-morning contest. Zylstra still feels the ceiling with his group remains high.

"The sky is the limit for these guys," he said. "This is a blip on the radar screen and we move on. If we run into these guys again, that'd be great and we'll be ready."

Tumwater nearly rallies again, falls one win shy of state tournament

The T-Birds never got their wings clipped off until it proved to be too late in losing to Ridgefield for the second time in as many days, a 15-11 verdict to end their season a game away from a third straight state tourney trip.

Plenty of emotions ran high in the final huddle of the season from several players. Still, Tumwater head coach Shaunie Kennedy didn't leave Recreation Park with her head drooped down.

"They showed grit, determination," she said. "We were right there hanging on by a nail a lot of times and they just dug in. They grew as a team and stepped another level this tournament."

In the first elimination game of the day versus league rival Aberdeen, Tumwater (15-10) turned a 7-2 deficit into 7-6 thanks to Sarah Stevens' three-run long ball. Then Sophie Skillman put the Thunderbirds on top with her own three-run blast in the sixth.

Skillman's homer capped a 12-hit game for Tumwater. Stevens allowed a leadoff single in the seventh, but set down the next three Bobcat hitters. Chloe Johnson roped two doubles for three hits and joined Brielle Womach with three runs scored.

"They watched for their pitch and they stayed patient for it," Kennedy said of the two clutch homers. "It is do-or-die, so let's keep trying."

Ridgefield, who upended Tumwater 10-3 in Thursday's quarters, were seemingly en route to another blowout win by leading 7-1 early. A five-run bottom of the third by Tumwater that began with three straight hits turned into drawing three walks, using fielder's choices, wild pitches and sac flies.

The Spudders had an answer in the fifth, their own five-run inning to regain control of the game. Despite six errors, the glimmer of hope didn't die right away after Womach's leadoff homer in the seventh and Cassandra McCartney's run-scoring hit.

As the rain drizzled onto the Rec Park turf, it washed out the T-Birds. McCartney and Skillman each with three hits and two RBIs in the loss. Skillman, Megan Barrett and Chloe Foos are the three seniors saying goodbye.

"Very coachable," Kennedy said. "They are going to be missed."

The 2027 core is expected to be built around Stevens in the circle plus power hitters like Womach and Johnson. Tumwater's absence from Carlon Park for a year will hopefully allow the returners to continue to learn.

"If we excel (in league), that's who we're gonna face in districts (too)," Kennedy said.

Black Hills' run ends in loss to Ridgefield

The Wolves turned their 0-10 start into playing on day two of the district tournament. They couldn't extend the magic into the state tournament.

The Spudders jumped out from the first inning and continued to add to their lead and won 14-0 in an elimination game. It caps the season for Black Hills at 6-17 and it will say goodbye to catcher Emma Arko plus its injured star Kailey Miller to graduation.

Four errors doomed the Wolves in the loss and the offense couldn't muster a scoring chance despite six hits with Hannah O'Shurak having two of them.

May 16—GENESEE — Even in defeat, there was still pride in the Potlatch dugout.

After falling into a big early deficit and battling uphill the rest of the way, the No. 1-seeded Loggers fell to the No. 3-seeded Glenns Ferry Pilots 9-6 in the Idaho Class 2A state softball championship game Friday at the Genesee Softball Fields, closing out a resilient season with a young roster.

Loggers coach Dean Butterfield said after the contest he told the players how proud he is of them and that second place in the state is a great finish.

Genesee finished third on its home field earlier in the day.

"Don't ever be disappointed with second place," Butterfield said he told his players in his speech after the game. "They came good with our injuries and all that. It's amazing they're still here, and don't be disappointed. I realize they always want the state title, and that's neat. The older girls have pushed them to want that, but can't be disappointed too much in the second place."

Glenns Ferry had the advantage

The Pilots (21-6) led in just about every statistic except errors.

To open up the game, Glenns Ferry was given two walks, a single, a double, a wild pitch and another walk. This forced Potlatch (18-6) to replace pitcher Daycee Fry with Reese Lusby. But damage was already done, and the Pilots had struck first with a three-run first inning.

This forced the Loggers into perpetual response mode.

Glenns Ferry had three errors in the first frame, and Potlatch responded with a two-run first inning.

Walks were a focal point in the game, as Potlach gave up a total of 13 walks through the seven innings.

"They just played good ball, timely hits," Butterfield said of Glenns Ferry. "They were patient at the plate. They took advantage of the walks, and that was just the difference in it."

In the third frame, Lusby gave up four walks and allowed two singles. Lusby's replacement, Brynlee Breeze gave up a walk and had a wild pitch to score another run for Glenns Ferry, which gave the Pilots an 8-2 lead.

It was a chasing game from there for Potlatch, and it could not do enough to catch up.

Butterfield said he was happy with how the players stuck together and pushed for the win even when the Loggers got down. He said they pushed hard and fought until the end, which he was proud of.

"We were a little sluggish today, but the Pilots played a good game," Butterfield said. "That was a good game to watch. It was fun to watch, fun to coach, fun to play. There was good softball there. That was a neat game."

Standout players

Charlee Stewart of Glenns Ferry pitched a complete game in seven innings and fanned nine batters. She allowed six runs (one earned) on three hits and walked five batters.

Her pitching solidified the win for the Pilots.

The Pilots' Natalie Hernandez had two hits and totaled a game-high three RBI.

Peyton Stewart had a double and one RBI for Glenns Ferry.

Elena Vowels had the biggest offensive play for the Loggers with a high-flying double to right-center field that scored two runs in the third inning to cut the lead to 8-4.

Hatley Sawyer had the other hit of the game for Potlatch.

"They're just good kids, that's the reason I coach," Butterfield said of his team.

An excellent season for the Loggers

Potlatch was in the Idaho Class 2A state tournament championship for the second year in a row.

The Loggers have an extremely young team, with just one senior on the 2026 roster.

Center fielder Rylee Tucker is the senior, and Butterfield said after the game he was looking to talk to her about her great career at Potlatch.

"She's done a lot in there for four years, she's worked really hard, became a very good player — real proud of her," Butterfield said.

The Loggers stormed through the Whitepine League district tournament and clinched their spot in the state tournament with an emphatic comeback win over Clearwater Valley of Kooskia on May 5.

Potlatch finished 18-6 overall and 10-2 in Whitepine League competition.

With such a young roster, Butterfield said that the team can accomplish anything it wants going forward.

"Oh, they can be as good as they want to be, which is good," Butterfield said. "They come together, they play as a family and that's pretty neat."

Glenns Ferry 305 010 0—9 6 9

Potlatch 202 101 0—6 3 3

C. Stewart and P. Stewart; D. Fry, R. Lusby (1), B. Breeze (3) and O. Smith.

Glenns Ferry hits — N. Hernandez 2, P. Stewart (2B), M. Fisher, K. King, J. Titus.

Potlatch hits — E. Vowels (2B), D. Fry, H. Sawyer.

Potlatch 15, Genesee 13

GENESEE — The Loggers spoiled a comeback attempt by the Bulldogs late in the Idaho Class 2A state tournament semifinals.

Genesee (14-11) scored seven runs in the sixth inning, but Potlatch responded with three runs of its own to take the lead back and win the game.

Reese Lusby paced the Loggers with four hits and had two RBI.

Olivia Smith had two hits and two RBI for Potlatch.

Miley Grieser had two hits and led the Bulldogs with three RBI.

Katie O'Connell had a double and two RBI for Genesee.

Genesee 011 407 0—13 8 6

Potlatch 082 023 x—15 13 1

L. Herman and R. Baysinger; D. Fry, R. Lusby (6), B. Breeze (7) and O. Smith.

Genesee hits — S. Banks 2, R. Baysinger 2, M. Grieser 2, K. O'Connell (2B), K. Krick.

Potlatch hits — R. Lusby 4, C. Larson 2 (2B), O. Smith 2, B. Breeze 2, D. Fry, E. Vowels, R. Tucker.

Genesee 12, Clearwater Valley 9

GENESEE — The Bulldogs had five extra-base hits, and three players had three hits apiece to defeat Clearwater Valley of Kooskia in an elimination game earlier in the day.

Alia Wareham and Katie O'Connell each had three hits, including two doubles, driving in one run apiece for Genesee.

Sydney Banks also had three hits and one RBI.

Kaylee Krick had a double and two RBI for the Bulldogs.

Riley Parsons had two hits, one a double, and totaled three RBI for the Rams (16-6).

Seasha Reuben had two hits and two RBI for Clearwater Valley.

Genesee 310 231 2—12 13 1

Clearwater Valley 202 001 4—9 5 4

M. Lowe, L. Herman (5) and R. Baysinger; R. Parsons, G. Schuster (4), S. Martinez (7) and E. Schuster.

Genesee hits — A. Wareham 3 (2 2B), K. O'Connell 3 (2 2B), S. Banks 3, J. Osborn 2, K. Krick (2B), K. Armatis.

Clearwater Valley hits — R. Parsons 2 (2B), S. Reuben 2, E. Boller.

Junt can be reached at 208-848-2258, tjunt@lmtribune.com or on X @TrevorJunt.

Saturday

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Weidner Field, Colorado Springs

TV/streaming: New Mexico 50/ESPN+

Regular-season records: New Mexico United (3-3-1), Colorado Springs Switchbacks (2-2-4)

The series: United leads 13-4-3.

New Mexico United will put the regular season on hold for another week. Why? The USL Cup is back for its second showing of the year.

Here are some things to note:

Free kicks

1. FILL IT UP: For a refresher, the USL Cup is the governing body’s World Cup-style tournament that features all 43 teams from the Championship and League One levels. There’s a group stage with the top clubs advancing to a single-elimination knock-out round.

Both United and Switchbacks won their group-stage opener. New Mexico topped League One AV Alta FC 2-1 on April 25, while Colorado Springs beat Phoenix Rising FC 1-0.

Both have two more group-stage matches after Saturday’s meeting. United hosts Phoenix on June 6 and will play at El Paso Locomotive FC on July 11. Switchbacks host El Paso and play at Orange County FC.

The knock-out portion of the tournament begins Aug. 13.

2. THERE’S A FAMILIARITY THERE: United and Switchbacks have met 20 times (excluding preseason friendlies) since New Mexico’s first season in 2019. So far, it’s been a rather one-sided affair with United winning 13 of those matchups.

That includes a regular-season showing this year. New Mexico beat Colorado Springs 3-2 in its home opener thanks to some late dramatics. Defender Ousman Jabang scored the game-winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time after Switchbacks’ Khori Bennett came through with an equalizer in the 94th minute.

3. OH, THOSE ROAD WOES: Sure, this is USL Cup play, meaning it doesn’t affect the regular-season standings, but United could do with a win outside of Albuquerque.

New Mexico is 4-1-1 in designed home matches (between the regular season, U.S. Open Cup and USL Cup). It’s been a bit different on the road. The club is just 1-3 in such contests. The win? That came at Orange County SC on April 4. The score was 1-0.

Overall, United has been outscored 6-2 on the road.

4. NO SWITCHING HERE: Colorado Springs certainly seems to be a fan of draws. Switchbacks have tied in three of its last four regular-season matches.

And all four of the clubs’ draws have come with some late theatrics. An equalizer in the 67th minute in Colorado Springs’ season opener at El Paso, another in the 79th minute against Lexington SC, San Antonio committing an own goal in the 10th minute of stoppage and an 96th-minute equalizer against Orange County.

Key matchup

United defender Ousman Jabang vs. Switchbacks forward Khori Bennett

Jabang provided the game-winner the last time these clubs played, but the defender and his teammates will have a bit of work in front of them. Well, that is the preferred direction, anyway. Better than behind, right? Bennett is tied for the USL regular-season lead with El Paso’s Rubio Rubín with seven goals. Jabang leads United in interceptions (8), tackles (12) and duels won (33).

Player of the match

United forward Dayonn Harris

The forward has had a knack for finding some open teammates. Harris leads New Mexico with four regular-season assists, including a pair against Las Vegas Lights FC last weekend.

By the numbers

2: Where Switchbacks rank goals scored in USL Championship play. Colorado Springs has 17, three behind El Paso.

4: Where Switchbanks rank in goals conceded. Colorado Springs has allowed 16.

3: There’s currently a three-way tie for first place in Group 2 in the USL Cup between United, Switchbacks and El Paso.

2023: The last time United lost to Colorado Springs. Switchbacks won 2-1 on April 22 that year. New Mexico is unbeaten in the last five matchups.

David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at dglovach@abqjournal.com or via X @DavidGlovach.

More New Mexico United reading

*

NM United sees ‘great learning opportunity’ with international friendly

Club will host Liga MX’s Atlante FC in July

*

'An important piece,' Keller makes return for NM United

After missing five matches, defender plays 1st half in rout of Las Vegas Lights FC

*

Match day: Las Vegas Lights FC at New Mexico United

NMU and Dennis Sanchez get another shot at manager’s former club

*

NM United draws with El Paso after allowing late equalizer

Hurst's first goals of season weren't enough to help NMU snap winless streak against El Paso

*

Match day: El Paso Locomotive FC at New Mexico United

NMU looks to turn tide against longtime rival El Paso

*

NM United's David Estrada still gets to showcase his skills

A look inside at when the assistant and former pro hops into training sessions against first team

*

Rennicks helps NM United celebrate USL Cup opener

Forward credits teammate for helping pick best way to enjoy go-ahead goal

*

Match day: AV Alta FC at NM United

Taking a look at United’s first USL Cup matchup of the season

*

NM United utilized part of bye to reset and get away from soccer

Players spent time doing variety of different activities during break

*

In his second stint, NM United is seeing 'a different Nava'

Albuquerque native Cristian Nava says he's finding joy in soccer again after early career woes

State Softball Championships

All games at UNM

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Class 4A: No. 1 Artesia vs. No. 2 Aztec, 10 a.m. Game 1 (if-necessary Game 2 at 2 p.m.)

*

Class 5A: No. 1 Mayfield vs. No. 10 Las Cruces High, noon Game 1 (if-necessary Game 2 at 4 p.m.)

Through the sporting goods company Wilson, one can purchase a dozen A9011 leather polycore softballs for $124.99.

It's unclear if that pretty new NMAA logo made that price go up at all for the cases of shiny neon yellow balls being used at this week's state softball tournaments.

What is clear, however, is the Mayfield Trojans are doing their part to keep Wilson in business, obliterating those $10-plus balls all season and seemingly obliterating any recorded state record for softball home runs in a season.

That includes four more long balls for the No. 1 seeded Trojans in a 12-3 win in Friday's Class 5A semifinal over Las Cruces High, Mayfield enters Saturdays' Championship series — looking for the school’s first softball title in a rematch with the Bulldawgs — having launched 95 home runs this season.

"I think our home run hitting is contagious," said Jayleen Ponce on Friday morning, even before the junior went 4-for-4 against Las Cruces with solo home runs in the first and fourth innings for homers 17 and 18 on the season.

"We have Ausaundra (Roberto, a sophomore with 17 home runs) as our leadoff hitter, so to see her get on or to just barrel up on a ball just gets us going and Dallas (Bencomo, the team's senior slugger with 16 homers) can turn it over, too. All the girls just get going and then we all keep it rolling."

In addition to Ponce's two solo shots in Friday’s win, sophomore Genesis Angel had a 3-run home run in the fourth for her 15th of the season (fourth on the team). And then freshman Audriana Guillen, apparently tired of being the only regular in the lineup without one, hit her first home run of the season — a sixth-inning grand slam.

In all, Mayfield has six players with 10 or more homers and four with 15 or more.

While there aren't good team records kept for high school softball in New Mexico, it appears Mayfield’s 95 homers is as many as 30 more than any other team has had.

Mayfield Coach Daniel Dominguez said he's been told West Las Vegas had 64 in a season once, and according to the National Federation of State High School Associations, the most ever reported by a New Mexico school was 59 by Carlsbad in 2023. (Mayfield had 56 last season).

The national record according to NFHS’s records — like New Mexico’s, only as good as the teams reporting their stat’s — is 105 homers by North Desoto High School in Stonewall, Louisiana, in 2022. Last year, Melissa (Texas) High School posted a story on its school website saying it broke that record by hitting 122.

Trojan home runs this season

*

18 Ponce, Jr.

*

17 Roberto, So.

*

16 Bencomo, Sr.

*

15 Angel, So.

*

10 Ariana Lujan, So.

*

10 Payton Oliver, So.

*

6 Emily Perez, So.

*

1 Brisa Quintana, Jr.

*

1 Angelina Ramirez, Sr.

*

1 Guillen, Fr.

So, while Mayfield may not be getting to national record territory, what they’re doing is still unprecedented in these parts, even for their coach.

"You have to kind of adjust with the group that you have," Dominguez said. "We've had teams where we slap because we had a lot of team speed and not a lot of power. You work with what you've got at the high school level and our girls are in the gym all the time. They take that stuff serious. It matters to them. They want to be better and they work to get there."

Said Bencomo, the senior who is playing collegiately in Montana next year, the strength of this team is literally that: Strength.

"I would say a lot of us are just power hitters — we've all been power hitters," said Bencomo. "We're very, I would say ... stocky girls. We're muscular. We're not tiny."

Saturday's championship game is at noon at UNM, with an if-necessary Game 2 at 4 p.m.

Other Class 5A action

Friday was an all southern-New Mexico affair.

After the Mayfield loss, the 10th seeded Bulldawgs beat No. 2 Alamogordo for the second time in the double-elimination tournament — 3-1 last week and 12-7 on Friday night — to get their rematch with Mayfield.

Alamo had won three-consecutive elimination games before falling to Las Cruces.

Class 4A

At Cleveland, No. 1 Artesia got half the job done, beating No. 2 Aztec 5-3 in the semifinals to advance to Saturday's championship series.

The problem is, it's a double-elimination tournament and the Tigers worked their way back through the consolation bracket.

Artesia senior Kayden Apodaca was 3-for-3 with three RBIs at the plate and struck out 10 from the pitching circle in the mid-day win for the Bulldogs (26-4).

Aztec's Kamora Henry, meanwhile, struck out 16 in the loss to Artesia, but came back and pitched a second complete game in a 4-2 elimination game win over No. 3 Silver in the afternoon. Cami Lucio drove in three for the Tigers (22-6) in the win.

Saturday's championship is at 10 a.m. at UNM with an if-necessary Game 2 scheduled for 2 p.m.

Class 3A

At the UNM Softball Field, reigning Gatorade Player of the Year Malie Satete continued to etch her name into state softball lore.

After her state-record 25 home run season as an eighth grader two years ago led West Las Vegas to its first state title, the now-sophomore pitched a five-hit, 10 strikeout game Friday and hit a two-RBI game-winning double in a 2-1 win over No. 4 Cobre for the Class 3A championship.

Class 1A/2A

No. 22 was blue and beautiful for Loving on Friday at UNM.

The top-seeded Falcons beat No. 3 Hozho Academy, 5-1, to claim state championship No. 22 and finish the season 22-3. Sophomore Braylee Hunt struck out seven in a seven-hit, one run complete game and also hit a home run.

Hozho Academy, which also lost to Loving in the title game last year, finishes with a 27-5 record.

Reach Geoff Grammer at ggrammer@abqjournal.com or follow him on Twitter (X) @GeoffGrammer.

It won’t be easy to fill the shoes of a legendary coach and his staff, or replicate the achievements of a legendary program.

Branden Kawazoe intends to try, the ‘Iolani way. The longtime boys basketball assistant coach and former Kaiser boys hoops head coach is the Raiders’ new girls basketball coach.

Kawazoe, 42, got the position roughly two weeks ago, but there has been no official announcement. On Thursday, ‘Iolani’s athletic department confirmed his hiring. The first thought Kawazoe had was about boys head coach Ryan Hirata.

“I’m so grateful for Ryan. He just valued everybody’s input across the board on the staff. It’s ‘One Team.’ He made the assistant coaching position feel so valuable,” Kawazoe said. “I knew, head coaching is something I wanted to do again, but I wasn’t in a rush. The boys team has a lot coming back, but the opportunity (with the girls team) came up and it felt right.”

Kawazoe played at Waiakea and Pacific University, becoming an assistant coach at the latter before returning to Hawaii in 2009. Most of his coaching career has been at ‘Iolani, surrounded by Raiders lifers. Kawazoe’s older daughter is a seventh grader at ‘Iolani. His fifth grade daughter will enroll at ‘Iolani this fall.

The sudden departure of longtime girls basketball coach Dean Young and staff, coupled with the unexpected retirement of athletic director Wendell Look, left the Raiders with an unusually dynamic scenario.

“It’s about honoring the legacy of Coach Dean and Coach Cy (Ohta). Being a part of the ‘Iolani program for 10-plus years, the values and the culture, that’s who I’ve become,” Kawazoe said. “I’m thankful to (Co-athletic directors) Eddie (Maruyama), Wendell (Look), Mo (Maurice Maggiolino) and the athletic administration for providing me this opportunity,” Kawazoe added.

Kawazoe also provided another massive boost for Raiders fans. Justice Kekauoha might just be returning to ‘Iolani after all. There was rampant speculation that the three-time All-State guard might transfer to a California powerhouse program for her senior year.

“Everybody’s intention is to be back, including Justice. Our coaching staff, we’re grateful that everyone’s coming back with an open mind because it’s such a huge change, going from a standard of excellence to the unknown. That’s going to be our job as a staff to gain their trust, lead them where they’re at and collectively set goals,” Kawazoe said.

With two-time defending state champion Kamehameha losing major pieces, including two-time Player of the Year Nihoa Dunn, the path to the 2026-27 title could be wide open. At Kaiser, Kawazoe’s teams played an uptempo style, aggressive on both ends, with good execution of clock management when necessary.

“I met with the returnees. Really just picked their brains on what they want, what they’re looking for. The standard of ‘Iolani basketball is set and the goal is to maintain that standard while adding some of my own perspective in there. Provide the girls with an opportunity,” he said.

Prior to Kaiser, he was an assistant to then-boys basketball coach Dean Shimamoto in the 2009-10 season, when the Raiders won a state championship. Kawazoe is a counselor at Kaiser High School, a job he enjoys and plans to remain at for a long time.

“The timing of it all and where I am in my life. Being a school counselor helps with the. coaching side,” he said.

Hawaii Prep World

For high school sports record books, visit .

Baldwin flag football players Navaeh Ranis and Kailea Moniz — a couple of young two-way threats — led the way Thursday against Punahou.

Ranis finished with two receiving touchdowns and two interceptions, and Moniz completed 23 of 34 passes for 265 yards and four touchdowns and had 11 pulls as No. 4 seed Baldwin beat Punahou 33-18 in the quarterfinals of the Hawaii Dental Service/HHSAA Girls Flag Football Division I State Championships at Mililani.

“It means a lot to Baldwin,” coach Dean Kramp said. “Everywhere we went on Maui, they asked us who we play and we said, ‘Punahou’ and they were like, ‘Ooh, good luck.’ No one thought we were going to win except us.”

Baldwin, the MIL champion, will play Mililani in today’s semifinals at 7 p.m. at Mililani. The Trojans upset No. 1 seed Waianae 25-12 on Thursday.

Ranis, a freshman, caught 10 passes for 144 yards, and one of her interceptions was a pick-6.

“It’s definitely scary. I wasn’t expecting to do this much on this team, especially with a bunch of upperclassmen,” Ranis said. “I just push through as hard as I can.”

Moniz, a sophomore, showed a quick release, accuracy and arm strength. Her pull total was a game high.

The Bears scored 20 consecutive points over the third and fourth quarters to put the game away.

“The defense flipped the switch in the second half and shut them down,” Kramp said.

The Bears (9-1) used a double-blocking scheme with their running backs to stymie the Buffanblu pass rush.

“We thought we could match up pretty well if they had the two blockers,” Punahou coach Justin Chun said. “As it turned out, they were able to hit us long a couple of times and their crossers at shorter levels were pretty deadly, too. They really caught everything.”

He added Punahou, the ILH runner-up, hadn’t seen the scheme much this season.

Both teams scored on their third possessions of the game.

Punahou went up 6-0 on Alethea Hayashi’s 1-yard quarterback sweep to the right with 9:03 left in the first half.

The Buffanblu’s Kiana Ramos completed third-down passes to Neira Grace Alabastro and Silvia Wong-Taylor to extend the drive.

Baldwin took a 7-6 lead with 4:04 remaining before halftime on Moniz’s 4-yard pass to Sanairee Hasegawa, who made a leaping grab. Moniz hit Ranis on the PAT.

On Punahou’s next possession, Ranis picked off Ramos and scored on a 50-yard return to put Baldwin up 13-6 with 2:21 remaining in the first half.

“I just saw the ball and I went for it and I just ran. I didn’t stop,” Ranis said.

The Buffanblu (7-3) cut the deficit to 13-12 with 27 seconds to go in the half on Ramos’ 12-yard pass over the middle to Kiele Tachibana on fourth down.

Baldwin scored on the third play from scrimmage of the second half on Moniz’s 60-yard pass to Ranis, who was wide open down the left side, which extended the Bears’ lead to 21-12 with 10:51 left in the third. Moniz hit Keani Loo on the 2-point conversion pass from the 10-yard line.

Baldwin went up 27-12 with 3:35 remaining in the third on Moniz’s 8-yard pass to Ranis.

“I know she’s going to make a play if I’m in trouble,” Moniz said of Ranis. “I just throw it to her and count on her.”

Punahou was called for defensive pass interference on third-and-goal from the 15. On the next play, Hali’a Hoapili’s interception in the end zone was negated by an illegal-contact penalty.

“That’ll kill any team, but power to my girls for not getting down on themselves and not throwing in the towel and really fighting through,” Chun said.

Ranis had a spectacular interception early in the fourth quarter after tipping the ball to herself.

“I just saw the ball and I was just going to knock it down, but then it ended up going up, so I just kept going for it,” Ranis said.

Baldwin cashed in on Moniz’s 7-yard pass to Hasegawa, which made it 33-12 with 7:46 to go.

Punahou made it 33-18 on Ramos’ 2-yard pass to Alabastro with 20 seconds remaining.

Ramos completed 26 of 42 passes for 270 yards.

Moanalua 25, No. 3 Konawaena 14

Breidi-Ann Higa completed 20 of 32 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns as Na Menehune beat the Wildcats.

Jodie Keo, who finished with six receptions for 106 yards, caught 14- and 7-yard touchdown passes.

Alofa Simanu, who had eight receptions for 121 yards, hauled in 9- and 22-yard scoring passes.

Konawaena had 297 yards of total offense, while Moanalua gained 253.

Na Menehune’s Shaydenurijah Key Byrd, Jai’lyn Smith and Gabrielle Bell had interceptions.

Kiilei Leleiwi completed 16 of 33 passes for 216 yards for the Wildcats.

Campbell 20, No. 2 Kamehameha 14

Cayden Parado had four interceptions and the Sabers broke a tie on Alexiis Amanonce Feliciano’s 8-yard pass to Kealohila Akana with 7:24 remaining.

Parado scored on a 33-yard run to tie it at 14-14 with 8:51 remaining in third quarter.

Earlier on the go-ahead drive, Campbell’s Jaynalyn Sotelo caught a lateral on the right side and hit Parado for a 22-yard gain.

Later on the drive, Sotelo caught a lateral off the right side, faked a pass and ran for 18 yards.

Sotelo’s interception with 14 seconds remaining sealed the Sabers’ victory.

Campbell also scored on Amanonce Feliciano’s 1-yard pass to Parado in the first quarter.

Kamehameha scored on Rylee Paranada’s 40-yard run and Paranada’s 12-yard pass to Mylee-Elexis Nguyen.

Campbell will play Moanalua in today’s semifinals at 5:30 p.m. at Mililani.

Division II

Kapolei 33, Waimea 18

Taimane Amisone passed for 295 yards and five touchdowns, including three in the first half for a 21-6 lead, as the Hurricanes defeated the Menehunes in a quarterfinal game of the Hawaii Dental Service/HHSAA Division II State Championships at Pearl City on Thursday.

Amisone completed 31 of 45 passes, with 10 receptions going to Kaylyce Kauwe for 117 yards and a score.

Wailan Tanigawa-Christian led Waimea in passing (162 yards, 3 TDs) and rushing (43 yards).

Kapolei meets Waipahu at 5:30 p.m. today in a semifinal at Pearl City.

Maryknoll 31, Honokaa 6

Pua Herrington rushed for 182 yards and two touchdowns and passed for 123 yards and three touchdowns to carry the Spartans past the Dragons in a quarterfinal game.

Zoe Silva had 10 catches for 102 yards and three touchdowns while also starring on defense with nine tackles and an interception for the Spartans, who play Kalaheo in a 7 p.m. semifinal today at Pearl City.

Kalei Moniz rushed for 129 yards, including a 60-yard touchdowns run, and passed for 106 for Honokaa.

Also:

No. 1 Kalaheo 27, Kamehameha-Hawaii 7

Waipahu 12, No. 2 Hawaii Prep 6

Hawaii Prep World

For high school sports record books, visit .

It’s been a big week for the New Mexico Goatheads, the state’s new ECHL hockey team scheduled to begin play in the 2026-27 season.

The minor league hockey squad — the ECHL is the hockey equivalent of baseball’s AA level — is the affiliate of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche who, on Wednesday night, defeated the Minnesota Wild to punch its ticket to the conference finals in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

Then, on Thursday, the Goatheads announced the full schedule for their inaugural season.

The Goatheads’ first-ever game will take place Oct. 16 at the Rio Rancho Events Center — the team’s home ice — against the Idaho Steelheads. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. and the first 6,000 fans in attendance will receive LED glow rods.

The final game of the season is April 10, 2027 against the Tahoe Knight Monsters. It’s also the Goathead’s last home game of the season.

The schedule includes several marquee dates, including Thanksgiving Week home games, a Black Friday matchup (Nov. 27), and post-Christmas games (Dec. 26 and 27).

The Goatheads will play a 72-game schedule and all 36 home games — played at the RREC — will be broadcast on the big screen at The Block.

For updates and information, visit nmgoatheads.com.

NM Goatheads 2026-27 schedule

Oct. 16, 17, 18 - vs. Idaho Steelheads

Oct. 23, 24, 25 - at Tahoe Knight Monsters

Oct. 30, 31 - vs. Rapid City Rush

Nov. 4, 6, 7 - vs. Allen Americans

Nov. 13, 14, 15 - at Kalamazoo Wings

Nov. 19, 20, 21 - at Tahoe Knight Monsters

Nov. 25, 27, 28 - vs. Florida Everblades

Dec. 2, 4 - at Wichita Thunder

Dec. 9, 11, 12 - vs. Adirondack Thunder

Dec. 18, 19, 20 - at Tulsa Oilers

Dec. 26, 27 - vs. Tahoe Knight Monsters

Dec. 20, Jan. 1, 2 - at Idaho Steelheads

Jan. 6, 8, 9 - at Rapid City Rush

Jan. 15, 16 - at Wichita Thunder

Jan. 20, 22, 23 - vs. Kansas City Maveircks

Jan. 29, 30 - vs. Wichita Thunder

Feb. 3, 5, 6 - at Idaho Steelheads

Feb. 10, 12, 13 - vs. Idaho Steelheads

Feb. 18, 19, 20 - at Allen Americans

Feb. 24, 26, 27 - vs. Wichita Thunder

March 3, 5, 6 - at Rapid City Rush

March 12, 13, 14 - Tahoe Knight Monsters

March 19, 20 - at Kansas City Mavericks

March 24, 26, 27 - vs. Tulsa Oilers

March 31, April 2, 3 - at Adirondack Thunder

April 7, 9, 10 - vs. Tahoe Knight Monsters

April 11 - ECHL postseason begins

*home games played at the Rio Rancho Events Center

Minnesota United continues to underwhelm at Allianz Field.

The Loons dropped all three points in St. Paul in a 1-0 loss to Colorado Rapids on Wednesday and MNUFC fell to 2-2-2 at home this season.

MNUFC (6-4-3, 21 points) also lost a 2-1 lead in a 2-2 draw with Austin FC on Sunday.

Colorado (5-7-1, 16 points) had scored only one goal in its previous four MLS games, but did the minimum to pull out the Western Conference win.

The Loons trailed 1-0 at the half after Rafael Navarro scored in the 26th minute. Paxten Aaronson beat Owen Gene in midfield and Jefferson Diaz’s positioning allowed Navarro to remain onside and have acres of space to beat goalkeeper Drake Callender.

Minnesota had the first early scoring chance in the 12th minute when Joaquín Pereyra started a breakaway down the left channel for Kelvin Yeboah, but the Loons striker gave the ball away when trying to get it onto his favored right foot.

In the 29th minute, James Rodriguez’s shot from outside the box hit the upper left corner of the woodwork. Then Rodriguez’s passed to Anthony Markanich, but Markanich’s that shot also hit the frame.

Minnesota head coach Cameron Knowles made five changes to the starting lineup after the 2-2 home draw with Austin FC on Sunday.

James started his final game with United; he will leave MNUFC after the game to join Colombia’s men’s national team to prep for the World Cup and won’t return to Minnesota for the second half of the MLS season.

James exited in the 63rd minute, capping his MLS stint with no goals and two assist in 195 minutes across six appearances.

Michael Boxall, who will join New Zealand for the World Cup, made his first start since the Loons’ home opener on Feb. 28. The center back missed eight straight MLS games with an adductor injury, but subbed in the previous two matches.