Simi Valley Embarks on Hawaiian Trip

When the Simi Valley High basketball team arrives in Hawaii today, it will confront more than sun and leis. Some of the nation’s best basketball teams will be waiting, too. And they won’t be so hospitable.

Simi Valley (6-0), one of six mainland teams invited to the prestigious 12-team Iolani tournament in Honolulu, will play Hawaii University High on Thursday.

“I don’t know anything about them,” Coach Bob Hawking said. “It’s a little difficult when you’re playing a team from another state.”

The best teams include Camden, N.J., the defending USA Today national champion, and Flint Hill (Va.) Prep, which was ranked No. 2 at the end of last season by USA Today.

“It’s a prestigious tournament,” Hawking said. “It’s recognized that we’ve had success. Everyone assumes we’re going to continue on that path.”