Aiea High School Varsity Boys Basketball 2025 Winter Season Recap: From Heartbreak to Championship Glory
The 2025 winter basketball season for Aiea High School’s varsity boys team was a journey marked by determination, resilience, and ultimate triumph. Under the leadership of Head Coach Robert Godinez, the team transformed last year’s near-miss into this year’s crowning achievement, clinching the OIA Division 2 championship and making a deep run in the state tournament.
Coach Godinez shared candid insights about the players who shaped the season, key moments that defined their path, and the bright future ahead for Aiea basketball.
Key Contributors: The Starting Five That Made the Difference
At the heart of Aiea’s success was a talented and experienced starting five, each bringing unique skills that blended into a cohesive unit on both ends of the court.
Noah Park (#12, Senior, 6’1” Shooting Guard) led the team in scoring, averaging 16 points per game. Known for his sharpshooting, Noah was the team’s most reliable 3-point threat with an ability to create his own shot under pressure, making him a constant offensive weapon.
Shealand Kazama (#15, Senior, 6’4” Small Forward) brought versatility and toughness. As the second-leading scorer, Shealand could stretch the floor with outside shooting or take it inside with post moves. His knack for double-doubles reflected his all-around impact, contributing on the boards and scoring consistently.
Hiki Kim Choy-Keb-Ah Lo (#1, Junior, 6’0” Guard) anchored the defense as the team’s lockdown defender. Leading in steals, Hiki was tasked with shutting down opponents’ best offensive players game after game, often holding them below their scoring averages. His high-energy defense helped elevate the entire team’s intensity.
Taylor Moku (#2, Senior, 5’7” Point Guard) was the floor general, orchestrating the offense with poise and vision. His sharp shooting was a key factor, shooting a team-high 40% from beyond the arc, which spaced the floor and opened up opportunities for teammates.
Santi Sarbeland (#23, Senior, 6’1” Forward) dominated inside with his efficient scoring, leading the team with a 59% field goal percentage. Santi was also a rim protector, leading in blocked shots and anchoring the paint.
Together, these five players laid the foundation for a well-balanced team that combined shooting, defense, and inside presence.
Season Overview: Redemption and Championship Glory
After falling just short in the OIA Championship game in 2024, the 2025 season began with a renewed sense of purpose. Returning eight players from the previous year, the team was determined to go all the way.
Coach Godinez reflected, “We had an all-in mentality for 2025. We peaked and played our best basketball late in the regular season and throughout the playoffs.”
The hard work paid off as the Eagles controlled the OIA Division 2 championship game from start to finish, capturing the title they sought. The team’s momentum carried them into the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) tournament, where they finished an impressive fourth in the state.
Defining Moment: Conditioning as a Game Changer
One early game set the tone for the season. After the team’s third game, a big win over a Division 1 opponent, a longtime referee approached Coach Godinez with praise — but also a challenge.
“He told me we looked tired or out of shape,” said Coach Godinez. “I told the team about that, and it motivated us to work even harder.”
That motivation translated into the team becoming “the most conditioned” squad in their league, often pulling away from opponents in the second half of games. The edge gained through superior fitness and stamina proved critical to their late-season surge.
Player Development: Growing Into Roles
While the core seniors led the way, Coach Godinez emphasized the team’s close-knit nature and mutual accountability. Every player pushed each other in practice, driving improvement and preparedness.
Though not detailed extensively, the team’s cohesion and player development were evident in their ability to overcome challenges and execute under pressure, hallmarks of a program with strong culture and leadership.
Senior Leadership: Experience and Confidence
With eight seniors on the roster, the team carried a wealth of experience. This senior class brought leadership, confidence, and a commitment to the team’s collective goals.
“The seniors were key to our success,” Coach Godinez noted. “They set the tone in practice and games.”
Their presence helped maintain discipline, work ethic, and belief through the highs and lows of a demanding season.
Facing Challenges: Accountability and Teamwork
Coach Godinez highlighted how the team’s closeness helped them overcome injuries, tough losses, and the pressures of playoff basketball.
“Everyone held each other accountable and pushed each other to work harder in practices,” he said. This culture of mutual support and high expectations helped the Eagles stay focused and resilient.
Looking Forward: Exciting Prospects and Patience
With the graduation of the eight seniors, Coach Godinez is turning his attention to the future. The incoming sophomore and freshman classes bring new talent and promise.
“We’re very excited about the potential of our young players,” he said. “There’s a lot of talented athletes coming up.”
Recognizing the need for patience, Coach Godinez emphasized trusting the development process. “We know it’s going to take time to achieve our goals, but we’re committed to the journey.”
Offseason Focus: Building Patience and Trusting the Process
The offseason will be about growth and adjustment as the team integrates new players and builds experience.
“We’re working on patience—trusting the process and understanding that development takes time,” Coach Godinez explained.
This mindset aims to prepare the younger players to step into bigger roles in the future and keep the program moving forward.
Where to Follow the Eagles
Fans looking to track team stats can visit scoringlive.com, where many of the Eagles’ games and player stats are posted. While not all stats are fully reported, it’s a great resource to follow the team’s progress.
Conclusion: A Championship Season with an Eye on the Future
The 2025 Aiea High School Varsity Boys Basketball team will be remembered for turning past disappointment into triumph, winning the OIA Division 2 championship and making a strong state tournament showing.
Coach Robert Godinez’s leadership, combined with the skill and determination of his senior-laden starting lineup and their supportive teammates, built a season of hard work, resilience, and success.
Looking ahead, the program’s bright future lies in its upcoming youth talent and a culture committed to accountability, growth, and patience. With these foundations, the Eagles aim to soar even higher in the seasons to come.
For more information on the Aiea High School Varsity Boys Basketball team and their season stats, visit scoringlive.com.
 led the team in scoring, averaging 16 points per game. Known for his sharpshooting, Noah was the team’s most reliable 3-point threat with an ability to create his own shot under pressure, making him a constant offensive weapon.
Shealand Kazama (#15, Senior, 6’4” Small Forward) brought versatility and toughness. As the second-leading scorer, Shealand could stretch the floor with outside shooting or take it inside with post moves. His knack for double-doubles reflected his all-around impact, contributing on the boards and scoring consistently.
Hiki Kim Choy-Keb-Ah Lo (#1, Junior, 6’0” Guard) anchored the defense as the team’s lockdown defender. Leading in steals, Hiki was tasked with shutting down opponents’ best offensive players game after game, often holding them below their scoring averages. His high-energy defense helped elevate the entire team’s intensity.
Taylor Moku (#2, Senior, 5’7” Point Guard) was the floor general, orchestrating the offense with poise and vision. His sharp shooting was a key factor, shooting a team-high 40% from beyond the arc, which spaced the floor and opened up opportunities for teammates.
Santi Sarbeland (#23, Senior, 6’1” Forward) dominated inside with his efficient scoring, leading the team with a 59% field goal percentage. Santi was also a rim protector, leading in blocked shots and anchoring the paint.
Together, these five players laid the foundation for a well-balanced team that combined shooting, defense, and inside presence.
Season Overview: Redemption and Championship Glory
After falling just short in the OIA Championship game in 2024, the 2025 season began with a renewed sense of purpose. Returning eight players from the previous year, the team was determined to go all the way.
Coach Godinez reflected, “We had an all-in mentality for 2025. We peaked and played our best basketball late in the regular season and throughout the playoffs.”
The hard work paid off as the Eagles controlled the OIA Division 2 championship game from start to finish, capturing the title they sought. The team’s momentum carried them into the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) tournament, where they finished an impressive fourth in the state.
Defining Moment: Conditioning as a Game Changer
One early game set the tone for the season. After the team’s third game, a big win over a Division 1 opponent, a longtime referee approached Coach Godinez with praise — but also a challenge.
“He told me we looked tired or out of shape,” said Coach Godinez. “I told the team about that, and it motivated us to work even harder.”
That motivation translated into the team becoming “the most conditioned” squad in their league, often pulling away from opponents in the second half of games. The edge gained through superior fitness and stamina proved critical to their late-season surge.
Player Development: Growing Into Roles
While the core seniors led the way, Coach Godinez emphasized the team’s close-knit nature and mutual accountability. Every player pushed each other in practice, driving improvement and preparedness.
Though not detailed extensively, the team’s cohesion and player development were evident in their ability to overcome challenges and execute under pressure, hallmarks of a program with strong culture and leadership.
Senior Leadership: Experience and Confidence
With eight seniors on the roster, the team carried a wealth of experience. This senior class brought leadership, confidence, and a commitment to the team’s collective goals.
“The seniors were key to our success,” Coach Godinez noted. “They set the tone in practice and games.”
Their presence helped maintain discipline, work ethic, and belief through the highs and lows of a demanding season.
Facing Challenges: Accountability and Teamwork
Coach Godinez highlighted how the team’s closeness helped them overcome injuries, tough losses, and the pressures of playoff basketball.
“Everyone held each other accountable and pushed each other to work harder in practices,” he said. This culture of mutual support and high expectations helped the Eagles stay focused and resilient.
Looking Forward: Exciting Prospects and Patience
With the graduation of the eight seniors, Coach Godinez is turning his attention to the future. The incoming sophomore and freshman classes bring new talent and promise.
“We’re very excited about the potential of our young players,” he said. “There’s a lot of talented athletes coming up.”
Recognizing the need for patience, Coach Godinez emphasized trusting the development process. “We know it’s going to take time to achieve our goals, but we’re committed to the journey.”
Offseason Focus: Building Patience and Trusting the Process
The offseason will be about growth and adjustment as the team integrates new players and builds experience.
“We’re working on patience—trusting the process and understanding that development takes time,” Coach Godinez explained.
This mindset aims to prepare the younger players to step into bigger roles in the future and keep the program moving forward.
Where to Follow the Eagles
Fans looking to track team stats can visit scoringlive.com, where many of the Eagles’ games and player stats are posted. While not all stats are fully reported, it’s a great resource to follow the team’s progress.
Conclusion: A Championship Season with an Eye on the Future
The 2025 Aiea High School Varsity Boys Basketball team will be remembered for turning past disappointment into triumph, winning the OIA Division 2 championship and making a strong state tournament showing.
Coach Robert Godinez’s leadership, combined with the skill and determination of his senior-laden starting lineup and their supportive teammates, built a season of hard work, resilience, and success.
Looking ahead, the program’s bright future lies in its upcoming youth talent and a culture committed to accountability, growth, and patience. With these foundations, the Eagles aim to soar even higher in the seasons to come.
For more information on the Aiea High School Varsity Boys Basketball team and their season stats, visit scoringlive.com.)
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