‘Iolani School Turns to Branden Kawazoe as Next Girls Basketball Head Coach

‘Iolani School has named Branden Kawazoe as the next head coach of its girls basketball program, succeeding longtime coach Dean Young following his historic 13-year run with the Raiders.

Kawazoe brings years of coaching experience to the position, including multiple stints within the ‘Iolani boys basketball program. Most recently, he served as associate coach and offensive coordinator under current boys head coach Ryan Hirata.

Before returning to ‘Iolani in 2019, Kawazoe spent five seasons as Kaiser’s boys basketball head coach, leading the Cougars to their first-ever HHSAA Division II state championship in 2015.

The Waiakea alum and former BIIF Player of the Year now takes over one of Hawai‘i’s premier girls basketball programs after Young guided the Raiders to five consecutive HHSAA state championships.

“It’s an incredible honor and privilege to lead a program with the tradition and standard Coach Dean built,” Kawazoe said. “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue that legacy, serve our student-athletes, and represent the ‘Iolani community with pride.”