The Kamehameha Kapālama Warriors continues its Women’s Basketball Renaissance under the leadership of Head Coach Pualei Furtado-Straight. Last season, the Warriors came up short in the title game to a veteran Iolani Raiders squad. Despite the setback, the Warriors bring back the entire core of the team for this season and the next which makes them my favorite to win the HHSAA Division 1 State Championship back to back.
Leading the Warriors is 2026 6 ‘1 Forward, Nihoa Dunn. Nihoa Dunn is a dominant presence on the court, consistently putting up double-doubles with her impressive scoring and rebounding ability. She has made noticeable strides in developing her guard skills, adding versatility to her game and making her a threat from multiple positions.
Offensively, Dunn is highly efficient, shooting at an impressive percentage from mid-range and around the basket. Her ability to stretch the floor with perimeter scoring further elevates her value as a multi-dimensional player. On the defensive end, she excels at protecting the paint while showing enough agility to occasionally step out and guard on the perimeter.
What truly sets Dunn apart is her relentless effort on the glass. She crashes the boards with intensity, securing rebounds on both ends of the floor to give her team second-chance opportunities and limit the opposition’s possessions. Her well-rounded skill set, combined with her work ethic, makes her a player with significant potential to impact any game. Dunn’s continued growth and versatility make her a standout talent to watch. I anticipate her recruiting to heat up into the Spring and Summer. She will be a fantastic prospect for a low major plus college and if she continues to develop her guard and perimeter skills, I can see interests from mid major schools.
