Before many Hawaii basketball players travel to the mainland for camps and tournaments, they'll get some work in at home in Iolani Summer League play.

This past weekend, Iolani, Maryknoll and Kamehameha were among several teams who were able to get in extra work against Mater Dei High School, a perennial powerhouse out of Santa Ana, California.

Coached by the winningest coach in California state history with a 1084-98 record, Gary McKnight and the Monarchs arrived in Hawaii June 12 with four squads of players ready to play during their week-long team bonding retreat.

Since 2008, McKnight has tried to bring his players to the 50th State about every two years.

"I can't do it every summer. It's too expensive," McKnight said. "You used to be able to come to Hawaii for $400. Now it's $805. I went to London a month ago for less than I paid to come here."

Even though each player has to pay their own way, all of the varsity team was able to make it down, which features four rising seniors ranked in the top 250 of 247Sports Composite Class of 2018 rankings — Bol Bol (No. 10), Spencer Freedman (No. 169), Michael Wang (No. 239), Harrison Butler (No. 244).

The Monarchs have gotten involved in Iolani's Summer League through Zach Buscher, former Iolani ('14) standout and current University of Hawaii Rainbow Warrior.

Iolani played Mater Dei last Thursday night under summer league rules with two 16-minute periods on a generous running clock. The Raiders lost, 60-48.

Friday night featured Mater Dei and Maryknoll, two teams who class of 2017 Cal commit Justice Sueing played for in high school. The Monarchs went on runs of 11-3 and 13-3 in the first half to jump out to a 30-15 lead before winning 56-37.

Kamehameha finished off the summer league slate Saturday night against a Bol Bol-less Monarchs team, who had to leave for Colorado for training with the USA U19 World Cup Team. Bol is the son of former NBA player Manute Bol who played 1985–1996. However, the Warriors narrowly fell, 35-33.

"We're at the beach all day, and then I get frustrated because we've only practiced once in three weeks. We're starting to deteriorate," McKnight said. "I think more important than anything is it's a bonding thing. It's a fun trip."

The varsity squad also got games in against Punahou and the Kailua Basketball Club coached by Kalaheo's Rob Pardini.

The Mater Dei underclassmen teams also played against Iolani II, Mid-Pacific, Kaimuki, Kaiser, Moanalua, Hawaii Raiders All-Stars and Saint Francis.

Iolani Summer League games run until the end of the month. The schedule can be viewed here. Admission is charged.