Maui’s Billy Kemper survived a field of 32 in the Billabong Pipe Masters trials Monday to make it into the World Surf League’s main event.
Kemper won the four-man trials final at Pipeline with a two-wave total of 13.17. Imaikalani deVault, who is also from Hawaii, also got a spot in the main event by placing second with 12.50.
Two others from Hawaii made the final, but will not advance — third-place Keanu Asing (7.56) and fourth-place Koa Smith (3.83).
According to the WSL, epic Pipe conditions are expected today for the start of the Billabong Pipe Masters, which is the WSL’s world championship tour 2019 finale as well as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing’s final contest. The holding period runs through Dec. 20.
The season-long points race for the the world championship title will be decided at Pipe, with five still in the running — No. 1 Italo Ferreira, No. 2 Gabriel Medina and No. 4 Filipe Toledo of Brazil, No. 3 Jordy Smith of South Africa, and No. 5 Kolohe Andino of San Clemente, Calif.
Australia’s Ethan Ewing holds a slim lead in the chase for the Triple Crown title, with Portugal’s Frederico Morais and fellow Aussie Jack Robinson right behind,
In addition, Haleiwa’s John John Florence and 11-time world champion Kelly Slater are vying for the last of two U.S. Olympic team qualifying spots to join Andino at the 2020 Tokyo Games. That position will go to No. 8 Florence or No. 10 Slater, whoever finishes higher in the final rankings.
Polynesian Football hall names 5 finalists
Saint Louis graduate and Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Kahuku alum Bradlee Anae, a Utah defensive lineman, are among five finalists for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award.
The award is presented annually by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who epitomizes great ability and integrity.
Joining Tagovailoa and Anae as finalists are Utah defensive back Julian Blackmon, Iowa defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa and Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell (Oregon).
The finalists were selected by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee from a watch list of more than 60 players.
The winner will be annouced on Dec. 17, with the formal presentation of the award to be held at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on Jan. 17.
Hilo’s Graves nets PacWest honor
Hawaii Hilo senior guard Jordan Graves received the Pacific West Conference men’s basketball Defender of the Week award on Monday.
In the Vulcans’ 82-79 upset win over Azusa Pacific on Dec. 2, Graves had six steals and a career-high 26 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer from the top of the key with three seconds left.
Against conference preseason favorite Concordia last Saturday, the second-year player from Monterey, Calif., had a stat line of 13 points, three assists and three steals.
UHH (2-2, 1-1 PWC) continues its southern California road trip today with a 5:30 p.m. conference game against Biola (6-2, 2-0) in La Mirada.
