Moanalua rallies by Radford in playoff
Moanalua's Dexter Williams glided in for a basket against Radford last night.
Dexter Williams started the masterpiece.
His teammates provided the finishing touch. Williams poured in 19 points and Moanalua used a 10-3 run in the late going to rally for a 45-40 win over No. 7 Radford at James Alegre Gymnasium on the Radford campus.
Moanalua (17-12) won its second playoff game in as many nights, knocking off the top seed in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West.
"We used to lose by four points, but we know how to finish now," said Williams, who helped Moanalua rally from a nine-point deficit.
Na Menehune, the fourth-place team from the Red East, will meet Kahuku in the next round of the double-elimination tourney tomorrow. Radford (14-6 overall) is still alive in the playoff format, but coach Wayne Keys’ team could be eliminated without reaching the state tourney despite an 11-1 regular-season record.
Kalani, which lost to Kahuku last night, is the Rams’ next opponent.
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The Rams and Na Menehune met Dec. 18 at the ‘Iolani Classic in another close finish won by then-No. 7 Moanalua, 65-62.
This time, it was Radford with the Star-Advertiser Top 10 ranking. However, the Rams settled for tough perimeter shots all night and struggled against Moanalua’s fullcourt pressure. Radford had more turnovers (26) than field goals made (14). The Rams made it even tougher by shooting 8-for-18 from the free-throw line.
Still, they led 31-30 after Nahshon George hit a foul shot with 4:28 remaining.
Moanalua post Richard Villasenor drove through an empty lane to give Moanalua a 32-31 lead. Williams scored the next eight points for Na Menehune as they opened it to 40-34.
The 6-foot-3 senior made all eight of his free-throw tries in the first half, but struggled late. He was 5-for-12 from the foul line in the fourth quarter, which opened the door for Radford.
T.J. Reid’s NBA-range 3-point shot brought the Rams within 40-38 with 38 seconds left.
Busted fullcourt coverage by Radford on Moanalua’s ensuing possession gave Keven Amaral a wide-open layup with 29 seconds to go for a 42-38 lead.
Reid missed his next 3-point try and Moanalua put the game away with free throws by Williams and Wesley Armbrust.
It was a satisfying finish for Moanalua, which had struggled mightily to protect leads throughout the regular season. This time, it had just one fourth-quarter turnover, forsaking short and long shooting opportunities in favor of milking the clock.
"We’ve given away so many games this year," Moanalua coach Greg Tacon said. "We did some smart things to make them chase us."
Tacon credited reserve forward Carl Ko.
"He’s been losing minutes lately, but tonight, he came through with a big jumper, a couple of boards and he took two charges," Tacon said.
The first half was sometimes a track meet, sometimes a flurry of charging calls on both teams.
Radford led 24-15, but lost momentum late in the first half against Moanalua’s constant fullcourt pressure. A drive to the bucket by Amaral, who finished with 12 points, capped a 13-3 run and gave Moanalua a 28-27 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Reid finished with 12 points, and George had 11 points to go with a game-high 12 rebounds. Center Steven Watkins added five blocks. Watkins and George, both 6 feet 6, never posted up offensively against Moanalua, which doesn’t have a player taller than 6-1.
"I feel bad, but we got another game," Reid said. "We can win it. We just got to take the long road like we usually do."
Moanalua shot just 28 percent from the field (13-for-46) against the athletic, long Rams, but held its own on the boards. Both teams grabbed 29 caroms.
Moanalua also committed just 14 turnovers and shot 18-for-27 from the foul line.
"I feel for any team when they’re 1 seed and they go down. A 1 seed should always be protected," Tacon said. "But it is what it is."
| Moanalua | 10 | 10 | 6 | 19 | — | 45 |
| Radford | 10 | 14 | 3 | 13 | — | 40 |
MOANALUA–Bronson Kepa 0, Aaron Davis 0, Keven Amaral 12, Dexter Williams 19, Wesley Armbrust 4, Brandon Guerreo 3, Dominique Jones 0, Carl Ko 2, Dillon Turk 0, Richard Villasenor 5.
RADFORD–T.J. Reid 12, Wayne Keys Jr. 3, Steven Watkins 11, Nashon George 3, Zach Pelzl 3, Dorsay Norris 0, Tevita Baravilala 4, Maika Ulufale 4.
3-point goals–Moanalua 1 (Guerreo). Radford 4 (Reid 3, George).
OIA Red Boys Playoffs
No. 6 Roosevelt 55, Campbell 41
Asten Koki had a team-high 15 points to lead the Rough Riders to victory.
J.J. Mariano scored 13 and Kaipo Pale nearly tallied a triple-double (10 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists) for Roosevelt, which hosts Mililani at 6 tomorrow night.
Fouina Haskins scored a game-high 17 points for Campbell, which will play at Kaimuki in an elimination game tomorrow night.
At Roosevelt gym
| Campbell | 10 | 11 | 12 | 8 | — | 41 |
| Roosevelt | 16 | 14 | 8 | 17 | — | 55 |
CAMPBELL— Ryan Ramil 0, B.J. Halmos 0, Manuel Sy 3, C.J. Ramos 2, Allan Otanes 8, Christopher Crawford 11, Fouina Haskins 17.
ROOSEVELT–Shai Brown 9, Johnson Acopan Jr. 0, Ese Tago 1, Cozia Chapman Jr. 0, Brendan Nakatani 7, Pono Patoc 0, Kaipo Pale 10, Asten Koki 15, Troy Nakasuji 0, J.J. Mariano 13, Nick Samifua 0, Rahni Fisher 0.
3-point goals–Campbell 3 (Haskins, Otanes, Sy). Roosevelt 1 (Mariano).
Mililani 48, Kaimuki 45
Hassan Richardson and Alex Bumgarner combined for 35 points to rally the Trojans past the Bulldogs.
Bumgarner — with four 3-pointers — and Richardson, who led all scorers with 21, had 12 points each in the second half as Mililani bounced back from a 34-19 halftime deficit.
Mason Kualii-Moe had a team-high 17 points, but only six in the second half against the Trojans’ man defense.
At Mililani gym
| Kaimuki | 18 | 16 | 6 | 5 | — | 45 |
| Mililani | 7 | 12 | 18 | 11 | — | 48 |
KAIMUKI–Nicholas Motellang 4, Mason Kualii-Moe 17, Chester Sua 8, Tevin Nishiyama10 , Siaosi Halaapiapi 0, Dio Talung 0, Jonn Kakitani 2, Ken Hashimoto 0, Jordan Gestrich 0, A.J. DeJesus 0, Lio Kelekelio 4, Maui Travis 0, Tim Tolenoa 0
MILILANI–Damon Shimabukuro 0, Ryan Jacobs 0, Brady Spiridigliozzi 2, Kaimihoku Wilson 2 , Josh Lenchanko 3 , Robbie Griffin 6, Alex Bumgarner 14 Riley Borges 0, Hassan Richardson 21, Ervan Jean Pierre0 , Christian Baltazar 0, J, Taylor Tuia 0,
3-point goals–Kaimuki 4 (Kualii-Moe 3, Nishiyama). Mililani 5 (Bumgardner 4, Richardson).
No. 9 Kahuku 75, Kalani 35
Shairone Thompson led all scorers with 20 points as the Red Raiders moved on in the with a 40-point win over the Falcons.
Kawahena Johnson scored 14 points and Samala Afalava added 13 for Kahuku, which will host Moanalua tomorrow night.
Tatsuya Ono paced Kalani with 11 points.
The Falcons travel to Radford tomorrow night in an elimination game.
At Kahuku gym
| Kalani | 8 | 13 | 10 | 4 | — | 35 |
| Kahuku | 23 | 15 | 26 | 11 | — | 75 |
KALANI–Imani Washington 6, Remy Omori 0, Kevin Lei 0, Kory Kashiwabara 4, Tatsuya Ono 11, Dru Reaves 4, Takezo Iguchi 6, Benson Leung 2, Jordan Yogi 0, Nick Huth 0, Sam Kahalewai 0, Nick Gamboa 2.
KAHUKU–Evan Ramirez 0, Kawahena Johnson 14, Samala Afalava 13, Tyrone Brown 2, Reed Salanoa 0, Mua Malufau 7, Kai Saniatan 0, KJ Uluave 6, Danny Aki 2, Bronson Beatty 0, Mekeli Fiso 7, Shairone Thompson 20, Sam Ching 4.
3-point goals–Kalani 1 (Ono). Kahuku 4 (Johnson 2, Afalava, Malufau).
OIA White Boys
No. 5 Farrington 80, Kamakau 33
Clem Rarogai had 18 points, Viane Vaina 13 and Keoni Kiko 11 as the Governors overpowered undermanned Kamakau.
Hanna Wasson had a team-high 10 points for Kamakau, which played six players.
At Farrington gym
| Kamakau (0-13) | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | — 33 |
| Farrington (12-1) | 22 | 15 | 21 | 22 — | 80 |
KAMAKAU— Kamalu Kamauoha 4, Kumukoa Oana 9, Hoalu Goodhue 3, Hanna Wasson 10, Keahi Suyat 5, Kalaunui Enos 2.
FARRINGTON–Paul Solomon 4, Anastacio Lombawa 2, Clem Rarogal 18, Bernard DeLeon 3, Jeffrey Madarang 4, Michael Kleman 2, Chadey Callazo 4, Joel Lanzaderas 9, Bradley Parras 0, Viane Vaina 13, J.P. Saycon 3, Jaymark Raquinio 2, Keoni Kiko 11, Shane Cabato-Machado 5.
3-point goals–Kamakau 1 (Suyat). Farrington 4 (Rarogai 2, DeLeon, Cabato-Machado).
Waialua 58, Nanakuli 39
Vance Maluyo poured in 20 points and the Bulldogs raced to a 25-4 lead after the first quarter in dispatching the Golden Hawks.
Rudi Galapia added 11 points for Waialua. Joe Shelton led Nanakuli with 20 points.
At Waialua gym
| Nanakuli (4-9) | 4 | 11 | 14 | 10 | — | 39 | |
| Waialua (8-5) | 25 | 8 | 11 | 14 | — | 58 |
NANAKULI– Terrell Ochimas 0, Brenton Corn 0, Kameran Self-Gomes 0, Gary Shelton 4, Nate Auelua-Naki 2, Joe Shelton 20, Kalau Kalawa 0, Ikena Anakalea 3, Clayton Atualevao 4, Kamalu Paris 6.
WAIALUA–William Sacapulo-Uepa 4, Virgilio Repollo 4, Kristoffer Cuadro 8, Jerimiah Repollo 8, Chase Uhlir 0, John Rey Garcia 3, Vance Maluyo 20, Rudi Galapia 11, Victor Nobello 0.
3-point goals–Nanakuli 3 (Shelton 3). Waialua 3 (Repollo 2, Garcia).
Junior varsity–Waialua 33, Nanakuli 28
Aiea 38, Kalaheo 37
Freddy Taliulu tossed in 11 points as Na Alii clipped the Mustangs.
Joshua Ko led Kalaheo with 11 points.
At Aiea gym
| Kalaheo (7-6) | 7 | 13 | 11 | 6 | — | 37 | |
| Aiea (6-7) | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | — | 38 |
KALAHEO–Quincy Mason 5, Sage Richardson 0, Joshua Ko 11, Shane Hipa 4, Shem Sukumaran 8, Jordyn Reindollar 5, Anthony Rowan 4, Silila Tucker 0.
AIEA–Chucky Kaahanui 6, Daniel Chambers 0, Terence Fong 0, Branden Abiva 6, Ernesto Salazar 8, Freddy Taliulu 11, Deshane Luat 0, Phillip Madriaga 0, Colin Naito 3, Ilalio Sio 4.
3-point goals–Kalaheo 3 (Salazar 2, Abiva). Aiea 5 (Ko 2, Sukumaran 2, Reindollar).
Junior varsity–Kalaheo 51, Aiea 47
Waipahu 54, Kaiser 51
Wesley Nagaseu had 12 points and Chance Delima and Daeniel Cullen Diomanpo 11 each as the Marauders outlasted the Cougars. Mark Guirguis had a game-high 18 points for Kaiser.
At Waipahu gym
| Kaiser (7-5) | 12 | 11 | 15 | 13 | — | 51 | |
| Waipahu (9-3) | 13 | 17 | 12 | 12 | — | 54 |
KAISER–Mark Guirguis 18, Matthew Nagata 0, Davin Morton 3, Quinton Wong 6, Adam Kostylo 0, Bret Kanoa 7, Doug Gehring 8, Corey Lum 4, Reeve Solliday 0, John Bice 0, Cruz Kalaugher 5.
WAIPAHU–Chance Delima 11, Roger Mendoza 0, Richard Ugalde 0, Duketoa Tili 4, Brice Dwiggins 3, Marc Moises 0, Daeniel Cullen Diomanpo 11, Jayvee Cadiente 0, Wesley Nagaseu 12, Jonathan Lewis 2, Roy Florenco 9, Eric Castro 0, Nathaniel Timoteo 2.
3-point goals–Kaiser none. Waipahu 4 (Delima 2, Dwiggins, Florenco).
Junior varsity–Waipahu 49, Kaiser 29
McKinley 67, Anuenue 42
Rio Kwon and Micah Waters scored 11 points each as the Tigers trampled Na Koa.
Kwon had eight of his points in the first half as McKinley built a 23-6 first-quarter lead and cruised.
Kamea Kahiapo had a game-high 13 points and Ikaika Gante 11 for Anuenue.
At McKinley gym
| McKinley (10-3) | 23 | 12 | 21 | 11 — 67 |
| Anuenue (1-12) | 6 | 10 | 14 | 12 — 42 |
MCKINLEY–Jason Ramano 9, Jovanie Trumata 7, Ryan Arzadon 2, Kyrell Wright 9, Jace Bolosan 3, Micah Waters 11, Justly Laquihon 2, Andy Sombatphibane 0, Alex Ironside 5, Lesley Machiguchi 1, William Rollman 2, Rio Kwon 11, Wilhem Rivera 3, John Henry Ansagay 2.
ANUENUE–Ikaika Gante 11, Mahuka Cullen 3, Laakea Manoi-Hyde 8, Makana Fernandez 2, Pono Kahili 0, Kahooipo Mossman-Ancog 1, Kealoha Smith 0, Makamae Wengler 2, Kamea Kahiapo 13, Iokepa Waiwaiole 2.
3-point goals–McKinley 7 (Ramano 3, Wright 2, Bolosan, Waters). Anuenue 4 (Kahiapo 2, Gante, Cullen).
ILH Division I Boys
Mid-Pacific 47, Maryknoll 37
Behind Patrick Matthews’ game-high 14 points, the Owls beat the host Spartans.
Austin Gaskins led Maryknoll with 13 points.
At Maryknoll gym
| Mid-Pacific (6-6) | 10 | 13 | 8 | 16 | — | 47 |
| Maryknoll (1-9) | 7 | 7 | 5 | 18 | — | 37 |
MID-PACIFIC–Jordan Doi 2, Terrence Tenjoma 6, Trey Kubota 1, Shaun Dobovan 6 , Matthew Ohtani 0, Tryston Fagarang 0, Patrick Matthews 14, Marcus Doi 10, Brent Yee 0, Matthew Carland 6, Titus Failauga 2.
MARYKNOLL–Andrew Wu 6, Kekoa Welsh 0, Brandon Floyd 6, Tobias Powell 3, Jason Calabresse 3, Johnny Mayer 0, Kekiai Cashman-Fernandez 0, Austin Gaskins 13, Wyatt Pedro 6, Tufanua Iuvale 0, Kauila Chock 0.
3-point goals–Mid-Pacific 1 (Tenjoma). Maryknoll 3 (Calabresse, Powell, Wu).
ILH Division II Boys
Maryknoll II 66, Christian Academy 40
Kaelen Hirashiki’s 13-point performance led the Spartans to victory over the visiting Patriots. Kevin McLain added 12 points.
Jasen Ocol had a game-high 15 points in the loss for Christian Academy.
At Maryknoll gym
| CA (0-10) | 11 | 7 | 14 | 8 | — | 40 |
| Maryknoll II (3-8) | 21 | 20 | 9 | 16 | — | 66 |
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY–Matthew Urcia 7, Shaun Bonilla 0, Micah Sugiura 13, Jasen Ocol 15, Chris Canoneo 4, Ryan Kalekini-Stephens 1, Ethan Reyes 0, Jarin Ralar 0, Ryan Helsham 0, Robert Helsham 0.
MARYKNOLL II— Travis Patoc 2, Kaelen Hirashiki 13, Ian Morocco 8, Bradford Lum 2, Kevin McLain 12, Matthew Mun 9, Mitchell Mizuguchi 2, Neil Nolan Santos 2, Jeremy Talbo 4, Brandon Hinck 4, Kevin Bratt 2, Jordan Tomas 6.
3-point goals–Christian Academy 2 (Sugiura). Maryknoll II 6 (Hiroshiki 2, McLain 2, Moracco, Mun).
