The stage is set for a thrilling finale at the Island Insurance/HHSAA State Tennis Championships, where the top two seeds in every division have held firm through two days of near-flawless play. Today at Central Oahu Regional Park, only the best of the best remain, promising high-stakes matchups for tennis fans across the islands.
In the boys singles final, all eyes are on defending champion Bryan Assi of Hilo. The top-seeded powerhouse has been nearly untouchable, dropping just one game in his first three matches before cruising past fourth-seeded Stefan Brajovic of University 6-3, 6-2 in the semifinals. Standing in his way is No. 2 seed Koji Ho of Punahou, who is chasing his second state title—though his first came in doubles last year. Ho has been equally dominant, losing only eight games through four rounds, capped by a 6-2, 6-0 win over third-seeded Kawelo Tsuneyoshi of 'Iolani. With both players in top form, expect a battle of precision and power—and at least one of them will surrender more than a dozen games for the first time this tournament.
The boys doubles draw promises fresh faces in the winners' circle, as last year's champions are out of contention. Interestingly, both finalist pairs hail from Punahou, ensuring the title stays in the Buffanblu family. Top seeds Allen Kudo and Owen Allison survived a tense semifinal against teammates Evan Delse and Ethan Camp, winning in two tiebreakers (4 and 5) after coasting through earlier rounds. They'll face second-seeded Ethan Loo and Bradley Hirohata, who edged 'Iolani's fourth-seeded duo of Dylan Tamamoto and Ben Arrillaga in a thrilling 6-3, 2-6, (8) super-tiebreaker. It's all Punahou in the final—a testament to the program's depth.
On the girls side, top-seeded Ashley Kurizaki of Moanalua is chasing her second state singles title, having won in 2024. She's been ruthless, losing just two games in four matches, including a 6-0, 6-1 semifinal rout of fourth seed Jurene Dupio of St. Andrew's Priory. Her opponent, second-seeded Mami Daysog of Roosevelt, has been equally impressive, dropping only four games across three matches after a first-round bye. Daysog's semifinal win over sixth-seeded Violet Kato of Maui (6-2, 6-1) sets up a clash of two players who have been nearly unbeatable. With both looking to add to their legacy, this final is a must-watch.
In girls doubles, Punahou's Mia Tim and Sophia Howell are aiming to repeat as champions. The second seeds have been dominant, blanking their opponents in the second and third rounds after a first-round bye, then defeating third-seeded teammates Courtney Corpuz and Catelyn Corpuz 6-1, 6-2 in the semis. They'll face fellow Buffanblu pair Isabela Jube and Mari Dela Cruz, the top seeds, who advanced with a 6-4, 6-2 win over fourth seeds Rylie Yamamoto and Kate Giang of 'Iolani. With Punahou having won the last four team titles in both boys and girls competition, the Buffanblu are poised to add more hardware today.
For tennis enthusiasts and sports apparel fans alike, today's finals are a showcase of skill, consistency, and championship pedigree. Whether you're hitting the courts or cheering from the stands, these matches are a reminder of what it takes to compete at the highest level.