BASKETBALL

Boys

Kadena Panthers

2023-24 season record — 18-3 overall.

Head coach — Antiwon Tucker, sixth season.

Far East Division I Tournament finish — Second.

Number of Far East Division I Tournament titles — Eight.

Key performers — DeShaun Nixon, Sr., SG; Jaden Patsel, Jr., G; Corey Tripp, Sr., F; Jaden Vergara, Sr., G; Mark Francis, So., F-C; Jelani McGhee, So., G.

Outlook — Contending. Six players return from last year’s squad. Francis, at 6-foot-9, a transfer from San Antonio, is one of the tallest players the Panthers have had in 25 years. A wealth of experience balanced with a handful of youngsters. Opened with a win by a wide margin over Okinawa Christian.

Kubasaki Dragons

2023-24 season record — 9-11 overall.

Head coach — Jonathan Fick, 16th season.

Far East Division I Tournament finish — Fifth.

Number of Far East Division I Tournament titles — 13.

Key performers — Troy Harris, Sr., PG; Maurice Brown, Sr., G; Jin Agarie, So, G.; Alex James, Sr, C.

Outlook — Rebuilding-reloading, with an eye on contending as the season progresses. Harris, Brown and James form a small but experienced core of veterans.

Girls

Kadena Panthers

2023-24 season record — 5-10 overall.

Head coach — Ed Manalac, third season (took last season off).

Far East Division I Tournament finish — Sixth.

Number of Far East Division I Tournament titles — Seven.

Key performers — Reina Ohene, Sr., F; Jayla Johnson, So., G; Tianna Crawley, Jr., PG; Isamar Toro-Velasquez, Jr., C; Jazlene Vergara, Jr., G; JaeLynn Williams, Jr., G-F (transferred from New Mexico); Jenna Cook, Sr., C (transferred from Florida, first season of basketball); Genesis Afaisen, Fr., F.

Outlook — Rebuilding. Panthers are battling injuries as the season unfolds. Cook is showing promise and is coming over from volleyball as is Afaisen.

Kubasaki Dragons

2023-24 season record — 7-15 overall.

Head coach — Robert Barrett, second season.

Far East Division I Tournament finish — Fourth.

Number of Far East Division I Tournament titles — Nine.

Key performers — Solares Solano, Sr., G; Jessica Blackston, Sr., G; Jasmine Block, So.; Runa Holladay, Sr.; Isabella Mabie, Sr.; Amaya Schaffeld, Jr.

Outlook — Somewhere in between. A better team than in previous years, but with plenty of room to grow.

WRESTLING

Kadena Panthers

Far East tournament titles — 7, fourth most all-time.

Boys and girls head coach — Joey Wood, third season.

Key performers — Boys: Josiah Drummer, Jr., 145; Nathaniel Macias, Sr., heavyweight; Brayden Holmes, Sr., 121; Cedric Ferguson, Sr., 114; Kai Wilson, So., 127; Jesse Vences, So., 133; Ryan Luckey, Jr., 139; Sam Valdez, Jr., 152; Owen Johnson, Sr., 160 (transferred from Humphreys); Flint Barton, Sr., 189; Landon Adams, So., 215. Girls: Brooke Brewer, Jr., 145; Jasmine Kenney, So., 180; Emmah Strong, Sr., 138; Sydney Pontious, Sr., 145.

Outlook — Contending. Solid, experienced group, including defending Far East champion Drummer, with some youngsters showing promise. Girls have already showed their mettle with their dual-meet season-opening win over Kubasaki.

Kubasaki Dragons

Far East tournament titles — 29, most all-time.

Head coaches — Tim Cope, first season, and David Wray, third season.

Key performers — Boys: Tim Cope, Jr., 133; Max Lundberg, Sr., 160; Noah Starr, So., 121; Ray Bragdon, So., 114; Daniel Yapshing, Sr., 152; Kaiser Armour, Sr., 189. Girls: Jaida Koweh, Sr., 160; Darsha Naona, Jr., 110; Samantha Diaz, Jr., 180.

Outlook — Contending. Three defending Far East champions (Starr, Cope, Lundberg) dot the boys lineup and the practice room has 50-plus bodies. The girls team opened with seven varsity wrestlers and has plenty of room to grow.