​Lionel Gannon watched the season unfold from inside the Moanalua gym, witnessing the team’s fluctuations, their adjustments, and their steady climb toward a historic finish. Moanalua’s 2026 campaign was vibrant and competitive, and even with a string of solid results in preseason tournaments, there was never a clear sign that Na Menehune would suddenly topple the established powers. Yet the team grew stronger as the year progressed, turning errors into lessons and breaking the OIA’s state-championship drought. Gannon wasn’t just the standout player on the best squad; he was a steadying presence who handled pressure with ease, doing the small things with precision as Moanalua became the first non-ILH program to win a state title since 1979. At 6-foot-3, his outside-hitter prowess and calm demeaner under pressure translated into crucial contributions during the state tournament.
His numbers in the state tournament reflected efficiency and impact. In a three-set quarterfinal win over Hawaii Baptist, he delivered 19 kills on a .424 hitting percentage, added 1.5 blocks, one ace, and four digs. In a four-set semifinal against Mid-Pacific, he produced 26 kills on a .404 clip, along with two blocks, two aces, one assist, and eight digs. And in the four-set championship victory over Punahou, he tallied 18 kills on a .250 hitting percentage, plus 1.5 blocks, one assist, and seven digs. Those performances helped cement his standing and underscored why he was recognized as the state’s Player of the Year by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s coaches and media selections. When asked about the honor, Gannon kept his response understated and sincere: “It’s surreal, obviously. It’s everything I’ve worked for and dreamed of. Honestly, I’m just super glad we won. That’s the main thing that matters. If it wasn’t for everyone that supported me—my family, my coaches, my teammates—I would never have been able to do it.”
Alan Cabanting, who steered Moanalua to the school’s first state title, was named Coach of the Year. Makana Wade of Le Jardin followed in voting, with Punahou’s Rick Tune placing next. Other players such as Gabriel Maunupau of Mililani and Maria Taiafi-Husseini also received votes.
Throughout the season, Cabanting trusted his team and his leaders, particularly Gannon, whose quiet leadership became a powerful force. “That silent confidence is what we’re going to miss,” Cabanting said. “He doesn’t talk a lot. He just shows it, models it, and the guys around him somehow feed off that confidence, knowing that if I mess up, Lionel’s going to be there to help us out.” Gannon’s all-around game—an attacker with a wide repertoire, high volleyball IQ, and the ability to adapt on the fly—proved invaluable. “He was so savvy with his attacks,” Cabanting noted. “Punahou tried to pressure him by taking away his cross, but he hit the line. There were moments when defenses read the line and the tip, and he’d go deep into the corner of the 1-6 area. He didn’t need to swing hard to put away points.”
The season, for Gannon and Moanalua, was about more than wins and titles. It was about a mindset that began with a shared commitment to a system and a belief that every player could contribute in meaningful ways. “It all starts with the mentality we carried into the season,” Gannon said. “All of our teammates were fully bought into our game plan. We understood that we had to do things right, and that included taking down Punahou. It’s cool to reflect on it now, a month later, because I’ve known so many people for so long and I’m grateful for how well we meshed as a group. Everyone brought a different personality to the table, and we managed to fit those pieces together.”