Fun, sun and exciting competition highlighted this year’s Poi Pounder Baseball Classic held during the Veterans Day holiday weekend in Hilo.
The four-day tournament attracted 24 teams of children ages 9 to 14 years old. After 51 games played under modified Pony League rules, one Kona and two Hilo-based teams emerged as champions of their respective age-group division.
Those division champions and runners-up are:
Mustang Division: (9- and 10-year-olds)
1st Place Lil Soljahs (Kona)
![Lil Soljahs](https://damontucker.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/poi-pounders-team-5.png?w=468&h=344)
Ikaika Apilado, Drew Basque, Kainoa Doctor, Noah Furchner, Shaylann Grace, Taven Hiraishi, James Kapela, Keyshawn Lorenzo, Nanea Kalua’u, Kainoa Jones, Bronson Rivera
Head Coach: Jerry Hiraishi, Asst Coaches: Kallen Hiraishi, Billy Jones
2nd Place Andrews Braves (Hilo)
![Andrews Braves](https://damontucker.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/poi-pounders-team-6.png?w=468&h=298)
Row 1 (L-R): Teagan Tamiya, Mason Hirata, Seth Zane, Carson Kawaguchi, Dylan Honda, Isaac Inouye Row 2 (L-R): Kayla Kodani, Kobe Kagimoto, Kalai Rosario, Kedren Kinzie, Elijah Igawa
Row 3 (L-R): Asst Coach Gregg Hirata, Asst. Coach Jay Igawa, Asst Coach Scott Inouye, Asst Coach Blake Sanehira, Head Coach Chris Honda, Asst Coach Lenny Paik
Bronco Division: (11- and 12-year-olds)
1st Place Andrews Braves (Hilo)
![Andrews Braves](https://damontucker.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/poi-pounders-team-3.png?w=468&h=250)
Row 1 (L-R): Micah Bello, Logan Respicio, Bryce Furuli, Casey Yamauchi, Maui Ahuna, Bula Ahuna, Dustin Asuncion Row 2 (L-R): Jacob Igawa, Jamie Ebersole, Stone Miyao, Eric Rivera, Rekky Prudencio Row 3 (L-R): Asst Coach Mason Bello, Asst Coach Bully Ahuna, Head Coach Lenn Miyao
2nd Place Kona Crush (Kona)
![Kona Crush](https://damontucker.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/poi-pounders-team-4.png?w=468&h=255)
Row 1 (L-R): Brennen Kaawa, Kelii Pelekane, Mikayla Kekoa, Keola, Pelekane, Andrew Udac, Kaimi Hook, Dakota Kala Row 2 (L-R): Tevin Canda, A.J. Alani, Kaehu Kuahuia, Kolu Alani, Preston Morales Row 3 (L-R): Coaches Gerald Pelekane, Ronald Kuahuia, Kimo Alani, Nic Kaawa, Nate Kekoa
Pony Division: (13- and 14-year-olds)
1st Place RBI-Red (Hilo)
![RBI - Red](https://damontucker.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/poi-poinders-team-1.png?w=468&h=230)
Row 1 (L-R): Jaysten Prudencio, Trayden Tamiya, Keian Kanetani, Joey Ongais-Louie, Jaron Kawaguchi, Jamieson Hirayama Row 2 (L-R): Asst. Coach Kerry Kanetani, Tyler Kitaoka, Makana Aiona, Kobie Kinzie, Kua Manuia, Caleb Freitas-Fields, Kelii Montibon, Royce Nuniez, Head Coach James Hirayama, Asst. Coach Dalen Asuncion. Missing: Austin DaMate-Aina
2nd Place Big Island Baseball Orioles (Hilo)
![Big Island Baseball Orioles](https://damontucker.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/poi-pounders-team-2.png?w=468&h=292)
Row 1 (L-R); Cullen Cariaga, Nathan Minami, Aidan Ah Hee, Jonah Hurney Row 2 (L-R): Head Coach Clayton Ah Hee, Justyce Ishii, Dawson Abiley, Bryce Yamashita, Pat Abiley
Row 3 (L-R): Taylor Mondina, Nick Antony, Makoa Andres, Jonathan Carboneau
Tournament organizers wish to thank and congratulate all the players, coaches and parents who helped to make the event a huge success. Questions, concerns, or suggestions may be emailed to: poipounderclassic@gmail.com.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Kids, Sports | Tagged: Baseball in Hawaii, Champions Announced, Poi Pounder Baseball Classic, Veterans Day |
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