Ending the 2025 boys bowling season undefeated, the Baldwin Bears soared to new heights while building lasting friendships and a strong sense of camaraderie along the way.

Leading the charge was Elias Tokuoka, who claimed first place with an impressive 198 average, followed by Landen Bucaneg (184) in second and Keanu Estores-Torres (177) in third.

Filled with joy and gratitude for his team’s hard work, coach James Palafox wrapped up his 11th season while earning his fourth title and achieving a back-to-back MIL championships in 2025.

“The kids create a bond that will last a lifetime during school and after they graduate,” Palafox said. “As for me, just seeing the joy in the kids’ faces is just great satisfaction.”

The high school bowling community on Maui is a close-knit and supportive one, built on mutual respect, gratitude and a shared love for the sport. Despite the challenges of scheduling and limited practice opportunities, these circumstances have also allowed athletes from different schools to connect, encourage each other and grow together through friendly rivalry.

What makes it even more special for the teams’ coaching staff is many of them once competed alongside or against each other in their own playing days and now continue that legacy as mentors.

“Before my back-to-back, I’ve placed second three years in a row to Kamehameha. We gave them a hard-fought match but we came up short — though I lost to a very good coach, Rodney Carillo, along with his wife, Laurie, who’s been coaching for 19 years,” Palafox recalled. “Just like myself and my wife Carol, who’s my assistant coach, we’re the senior coaches. We give our time and dedication to the program, but especially the kids.”

As the competition came down to the Bears and the Warriors, the Bears ultimately claimed victory for the Valley Isle 2-0 over KS-Maui. The high score for Baldwin came from Landen Bucaneg, who bowled a 251, and Kingstom Komine put up the high score for KS-Maui at 168.

Other state qualifies include Caleb Keanini-Yamada of Maui High, Jacob Poouahi of Kamehameha Schools Maui, Nevin Wehner of King Kekaulike, and Kingston Komine, Benjamin Komine and Imiloa Kanoho, who are all from KS-Maui.

While Maui’s bowling scene may be smaller compared to Oahu — with fewer facilities and limited practice opportunities — the dedication of these teams shines through regardless.

Even outside of official practices, some of the Baldwin boys can be found at the alley during open-bowling hours, putting in extra time and repetitions. Their commitment and persistence reflect their passion for the sport, pushing them to grow stronger and better with each game.

“One of my former bowlers, Kyle Fuchikami, has already bowled a perfect 300 game,” Palafox said. “I believe Elias could reach his goal one day to become a professional bowler as well. Throughout all years of coaching, I’ve got to meet a lot of great kids — kids that will always be a part of my life. But what makes me feel good is when I run into them — both the boys and girls — and they tell me, ‘Hi, coach,'” Palafox said. “That puts a big smile on my face.”

The team includes freshmen Bredjien Anakolea, Trenton Wang, Kyle Wolff and Tyler Nakagawa; sophomores Keanu Torres-Estores, Ryder Tokuoka, Asher Tokuoka and Landen Bucaney; juniors Brayden Gaorion and Landon Dela Cruz; and seniors Elias Tokuoka, Micah Anakolea, Jarin Magarin, Blaise Romero and Kainalu Catugal.