Hawaiʻi Police Department
Hawaiʻi Police Activities League (HI-PAL)
Officer Joseph Botelho Jr.
Phone: 961-2220
Media Release
A total of 168 youths, ages 4 to 17, from 25 teams participated in the HI-PAL “Click It or Ticket” Hoops Championships this past weekend, November 2-3, at Pāpaʻikou Gymnasium.
In the 8-and-Under Division, Keaukaha defeated Kohala NSP 20-10 to claim the title. JJ Mandaquit poured in 10 points and Jaety Mandiquit added eight to lead the champions. Hezekiah Wilson led NSP with five points.
Members of the championship team, as pictured, are JJ Mandaquit, Peyton Pana, Jaiden Gabriel, Jaety Mandaqui, Tiffany Castillo, Jaziah Oili and Kawika Lyons. They are coached by Jason Mandaquit and assistant Lexi Pana.
In the High School Division, Jonah Bredeson tallied 18 points to lead the Kona Stingrays to a 55-41 title game victory over the Kohala Magic. The Magic were led by Kala Jordan’s 19 points.
Members of the High School Division champions, as pictured, are Austin Aukai, Tolby Saito, Tanner Gray, Kevin Medeiros, Chase Takaki, Torrell Thomas, Jonah Bredeson and Kili Oliveira. (Not pictured: Brandon Awa and Poʻokela Hanato-Smith.) They are coached by Don Awa.
The tournament also featured the appearance of McGruff the Crime Dog and Darren the D.A.R.E. Lion who helped HI-PAL Officer Joseph Botelho Jr. remind the youth about crime prevention and the importance of wearing their seat belts.
“HI-PAL will be hosting future events to continue promoting seat belt use and providing safe drug free events for our youth,” said Officer Botelho. “Anyone interested in participating or wanting further information on any Click It or Ticket or HI-PAL event, may contact me at 961-8121 or HI-PAL Officer Randy Morris at 326-4646, extension 258.”