In thrilling fashion, the GC3 Stars made a statement on the biggest stage, dethroning and dominating the defending champion Oklahoma Runners, 41-19, to capture the Tribe Athletics Native American Jr. Nationals 9-10 Grade Boys Diamond Division National Championship.
This was more than just a championship game. It was a rematch of last year’s Diamond Division National Championship Game, and with the Stars taking control from start to finish, a new rivalry between two elite Indigenous basketball programs has officially been born.
The intensity was felt before the opening tip. Pregame tension rose when the Runners were required to change jerseys due to a uniform violation. During the delay, emotions spilled over as coaches from both sides exchanged words, leading tournament staff and security to step in and separate the parties before the game began.
Once the ball was tipped, the Stars turned that energy into one of the most dominant defensive performances of the tournament.
The Stars locked in defensively and held the defending champions to just 19 points. The Stars set the tone with physicality, discipline, and relentless pressure, never allowing the Runners to find a rhythm. What was expected to be a battle quickly became a showcase of GC3’s defensive identity, toughness, and championship-level focus.
The Stars were led by a triple-headed monster in tournament MVP Zion Lefotu, All-Tournament Team selection Isaiah Wright, and defensive standout Pono Carvalho.
Lefotu, who is of Samoan and Hawaiian heritage, delivered a performance that elevated his game to icon status. He created offense at will, scored from multiple levels, and consistently made the right play when the Stars needed momentum. His poise, confidence, and ability to take over the game separated him as one of the premier prospects in the division.
Wright, who is Samoan, gave the Stars a powerful inside presence. He protected the paint, cleaned the glass, finished around the rim, and showed his versatility by stepping out to knock down mid-range and long-range shots. His ability to impact both ends of the floor gave the Stars a major advantage throughout the championship run.
Carvalho brought the defensive edge. In a Gary Payton-like role, he served as the Stars’ lockdown defender and helped lead the charge on that end of the floor. His pressure, toughness, and willingness to take on difficult assignments helped fuel a defensive effort that completely shut down the Runners.
Late in the game, with the Stars holding a commanding lead, Head Coach Keenan Kahoekapu called a timeout with approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds remaining to regroup his team and make sure they continued to control the game the right way. Following the timeout, the officials determined that the Runners could not continue, resulting in the game being called and the Stars winning by official stoppage.
In combat sports terms, it felt like the basketball equivalent of a technical knockout.
The 41-19 victory was more than a championship win. It was a defining moment for the GC3 Stars program and a major step forward for Polynesian athletes being recognized and respected as elite basketball athletes within the Indigenous basketball community.
The GC3 Stars did not just win the title. They made a statement.
Championship Roster
Head Coach: Keenan Kahoekapu — Native Hawaiian
Assistant Coach: Kamaile Kahoekapu — Native Hawaiian
General Manager: Patti Kahoekapu — Native Hawaiian
Players:
Kekoa Moreno — Native Hawaiian/Navajo
Ansen Kahue-Parker — Native Hawaiian
Kala Coats — Native Hawaiian
Pono Carvalho — Native Hawaiian
Bruno Kealoha Ferri — Native Hawaiian
Isaiah Elsas — Chamorro/Hawaiian
Isaiah Wright — Samoan
Zion Lefotu — Native Hawaiian/Samoan
Waimalu Kahana-Machida — Native Hawaiian
The GC3 Stars are the 2026 Tribe Athletics Native American Jr. Nationals 9-10 Grade Boys Diamond Division Champions.
