Two-time defending state champion Kamehameha and reigning Advertiser Player of the Year Kanani Herring highlight this week's Ann Kang Invitational Volleyball Tournament.

The tournament runs tomorrow through Saturday at 'Iolani School's two gymnasiums.

The Warriors are fifth in the nation in PrepVolleyball.com's 2007 Century Club Pre-season National Top 100 High School Rankings announced late yesterday afternoon, according to John Tawa, owner of the Web site.

Kamehameha is among four nationally ranked teams in the 20-team field. Redondo Union of Redondo Beach, Calif., is 17th, host 'Iolani is 26th and Santa Barbara is 69th.

Warriors' coach Chris Blake was "surprised" at the ranking.

"We have a good team coming back, but based upon what happened doesn't necessarily equate to team success," he said. "It's a great starting point. We're honored. But we have a long way to go. We haven't even had our first game, yet. Actually, we haven't had our whole team together, yet."

Outside hitter Herring, as well as Punahou libero Sydney Yogi — both seniors — were members of the U.S. Girls' Youth National Team over the summer. Blake said Herring just returned home Sunday.

The Warriors lost two starters to graduation, including Pepperdine-bound Kealohilani Kea, but all of their returnees had considerable playing time. Joining Herring is another all-state first-teamer in middle blocker Bekah Torres and second-team outside hitter Jordan Meredith. Also back are setter Tatiana Santiago, libero Cassidee Young and middle blocker Alex Akana.

Despite the graduation of second-team all-state setter Kapua Kamana'o, the Raiders apparently returned enough skilled players to be ranked 26th. Back are outside hitter Lauren Minkel, libero Kelly Pang and middle blocker Chelsea Hardin, all second-team all-state picks last season. Hardin, a junior, is being heavily recruited, Raiders' coach Jenic Tumaneng said. Replacing Kamana'o is a promising sophomore in Mali'e Yoon, the coach said.

Kamehameha is in a different pool, but the same bracket as Redondo Union. 'Iolani and Santa Barbara also are in opposite pools in the other bracket, giving the tournament balance.

Other Hawai'i teams listed on the bubble of the top 100 were Kahuku, Moanalua, Punahou, Roosevelt, Sacred Hearts and Word of Life. Punahou, Moanalua and Sacred Hearts also are in 'Iolani's tournament.

ST. JOE'S TOURNEY

The seventh annual St. Joseph School Invitational Volleyball Classic runs Thursday through Saturday at the Afook-Chinen Auditorium in Hilo.

Eight schools are in the two-pool tournament. In Pool A are Waipahu, Kealakehe, Hawai'i Prep and Kamehameha-Hawai'i. Pool B has St. Andrew's, Christian Liberty Academy, Honoka'a and host St. Joseph.

Matches start from 3:30 p.m. Thursday and 3 p.m. Friday. Championship bracket matches start from 10 a.m. Saturday.

MAUI CLASSIC

The Maui Volleyball Classic is Aug. 24 and 25 at Seabury Hall.

There are eight schools in the double-pool tournament. The Red Pool has host Seabury Hall, Waialua, Beverly Hills (Calif.) and King Kekaulike. The Blue Pool has Harker (San Jose, Calif.), Hana, Kamehameha-Maui and University.

Pool play matches start 4 p.m. Aug. 24. Competition resumes 9 a.m. Aug. 25.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.