SABERS, SEABURY OPEN BIDS IN GIRLS HOOPS

(Feb. 19): There are good reasons, I'm sure, for the state association's decision to cram what amounts to four separate basketball tournaments into a single week in gyms scattered all over Oahu. And then, scheduling the bulk of those games at 6 and 8 p.m.

But none of those reasons make much sense to anyone else.

It's a decision that will impact referees, who already are spread way to thin. Fans will have make some difficult choices, as well. And as for the media, it will prevent Maui's ESPN 550 from covering as many games as usual or the Oahu dailies to provide their customary extensive coverage.

In the end, the biggest losers will be the Division-II teams, who already are overshadowed by the competitions involving the bigger schools.

Be that as it may, the girls tip off their tournaments in Division-I and II tonight, with MIL runners-up Maui High and Molokai open their bids.

The Sabers will face Farrington of the OIA in a 6 o'clock D-I game at the Kaimuki High gym. At the same time, Seabury Hall will challenge Kailua of the OIA at Aiea High.

Both MIL champions were seeded fourth, drawing first-round byes. In D-I, Lahainaluna tangles with the winner of Radford vs. Roosevelt in a 6 o'clock game tomorrow at Farrington High. In D-II, Molokai meets the winner of University vs. Hawaii Prep in a 6 p.m. game at Kalani High.

The boys' tournaments open tomorrow, with the MIL represented by Kamehameha and Lahainaluna in D-I and Molokai and Lanai in D-II.

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