Punahou's Micah Maa delivered a match-high 15 kills with nine digs in a win over Kamehameha. Peter Caldwell | SL

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Punahou's Micah Maa delivered a match-high 15 kills with nine digs in a win over Kamehameha. Peter Caldwell | SL

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KAPALAMA HEIGHTS — Defending state champion Punahou moved into first place atop the league standings with a straight set victory over Kamehameha, 25-21, 25-15 at Kekuhaupio Gymnasium Tuesday night.

Micah Maa delivered a match-high 15 kills with nine digs to help the Buffanblu cap the first round of Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I play with a 5-0 record. 

"This win means a lot," said Maa. "Kamehameha is a great team. We knew that coming in and that kind of got us working harder. It feels great to come out here. It was a great atmosphere. That's a helluva of a team, I'm sure we'll see them again later on in the road when it's much more important."

After sweeping through its first four matches of the season, Kamehameha dropped to 4-1 in the league standings. The Warriors were also coming back from a weekend tournament in San Diego.

"In terms of the season, I thought this game was important because it's our first real test," said Punahou coach Rick Tune. "Our first game of the season against Maryknoll was a real battle, but we had guys for just one day of practice. Once we were able to put in our schemes and everything — this is the first match where we really looked to get pushed. They're a good team and they pushed us.

"They just came back from the Best of the West tourney so they are battle tested. That's all they did was play battle after battle. We haven't yet. This is our first one so it was really important to see the guys respond the right way and execute the way I know that they can."

With starters Justin Kam (ankle sprain) and Akahi Troske (hip flexor) sitting with injury, Punahou's younger players were able to contribute in the victory. Sam Bradley added four kills, Wil Stanley, Rohan Watamull and Ethan Lewis each added three more. Also with kills for the Buffanblu were Todd Gruebner, Kainoa Quindica and Hunter Johnson. Libero Kelsey Yogi led the defensive effort with a match-high 10 digs.

"Everyone did awesome tonight and I'm just so proud of them," said Maa. "I think we just have a nice young group, and what that does is that it always keeps us enthusiastic. These guys are just everyday coming to practice, loving the game like it's brand new to them. I think that gets us to work hard and just try to improve everyday. All the credit goes to them."

While the Buffanblu were nursing some injuries, Kamehameha coach Kainoa Downing is no longer with the team. Assistant coach Alan Rosehill is now the acting head coach for the Warriors.

"I'll try to find out what's going on, we're having a meeting tomorrow," said Rosehill. "It's my understanding that he has a desire to stop coaching — just some personal issues and we'll see."

Naone Cannon led the Warriors in the loss with 11 kills and five digs. Kahiau Machado added six kills and four blocks. Setters Elijah Hew Len and Nainoa Barlan-Garcia each had nine assists.