Salt Lake, HI
The Kaimuki Bulldogs and Waianae Seariders would meet one more time this season and this time, it would be the chance to be named the new 2026 OIA D2 Boys Basketball champions.
The Bulldogs of Kaimuki would reach the title match with a 9-1 record. Falling short to Waianae on opening night, the bulldogs would put on a strong run to go undefeated the rest of the season. They last made their championship appearance two years ago when they defeated the Aiea Na Ali’i. With another chance to bring home the plaque, the bulldogs would have to continue the hot streak that they are on and execute on both sides of the ball.
The Seariders of Waianae would come in with an 8-2 record. Although falling short to Roosevelt and Pearl City, they would continue to find their game and get a title shot against the team they started opening night with.
It’s not often that teams will play the same team from opening night on championship day. The Bulldogs looked to avenge their opening season loss. Although they came up short by 5 points, they knew that there would be a possibility of playing the Seariders again later in the postseason.
An electric atmosphere kicked off the night in Salt Lake. The Bulldogs would jump off to a fast 10-3 start. Their defense played a big role causing turnovers which led to points. They would feed off of their crowd which helped them build up a 19 point lead in the second quarter and didn’t look back.
Kaimuki Senior Guard, Manduy Pham, would go off from behind the arch with 4 3 pointers made. The pressure from the Bulldogs defense would get them the stops and momentum they needed to win the game. No matter if the lead was big, they would continue to execute on their game plan and play till the final buzzer.
From falling short 5 points to Waianae on opening night, to avenging their loss on championship night with a 21 point win, the Kaimuki Bulldogs would be named your 2026 OIA D2 Boys Basketball Champions. Congratulations to the Bulldogs Basketball Program, School, and Community!
Final Score: Kaimuki 59 - Waianae 38
for more pictures, head over to our photo gallery
pictures taken by: Logan Pactol - @_lowgxn
for all The Dogs
video by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
