It took No. 7 Kalaheo a while to realize it, but the Mustangs finally showed up for the regular season.
Kupaa Harrison had 18 of his team-leading 24 points in the second half and the defending OIA and state champions beat Moanalua 52-48 in the league opener at Moanalua on Thursday night.
Moanalua had a 48-47 lead with 1 minute, 30 seconds left but Jamaal Willis, who led Na Menehune with 17 points, dribbled the ball out of bounds and the Mustangs found Zach Marrotte alone under the basket to go ahead with 1:18 left. Moanalua had its chances after that, three of them by Aaron Stuart, but couldn’t convert.
Harrison made three of his four foul shots in the final minute to keep Moanalua at bay.
"I have been shooting really poor from the free-throw line in preseason," Harrison said. "I just got in the gym with one of my coaches and I shoot it a lot better now. I just have to trust it."
Harrison went 5-for-6 from the line in the fourth quarter and 11-for-13 in the game, while Moanalua went 7-for-11 in the fourth quarter and 16-for-24 in the game.
"I give (Harrison) a lot of credit," Moanalua coach Byron Mello said. "Kids don’t shoot for that kind of percentage any more. He was tough down the stretch."
Harrison scored 11 points in the third quarter to erase a 10-point deficit in six minutes, the tying shot a 3-pointer from the corner. Kalaheo had nine turnovers in the first half and only three in the second. Harrison had the ball in his hands every time down the floor.
"Coach said just give me the ball and we would work off of it," Harrison said. "It’s just part of our offense, it’s a free-range offense and we have a lot of freedom to move around."
Kalaheo went undefeated through the OIA on its way to the title last year, beating Moanalua 41-40 in the second regular-season game and closing it with a 56-52 win over Moanalua in overtime in the title game. Those were Moanalua’s only two OIA losses last year.
"These guys battled," Kalaheo coach Alika Smith said. "We tested their heart at halftime. That wasn’t our team that was out there in the first half, in the second half we wanted to take any advantage we could. Total team effort, I am proud of these guys."
Moanalua was anything but mellow in the first half, running at every opportunity and taking a 10-point lead over the defending champions.
Na Menehune scored eight fastbreak points during the second quarter, with Stuart finishing twice and Willis putting the other two away. Willis led Moanalua with 13 points at the half, including a corner trey that put his team up 32-19 with just inside of two minutes left. Kalaheo was limited to two field goals in the second quarter to Moanalua’s seven. Then Harrison took over on offense and Kalaheo’s 2-3 zone slowed down Moanalua.
"I thought the difference was their zone," Mello said. "We struggled to score for a little while and we couldn’t get out in transition. We usually do well against zones, we just missed some easy shots and that set us back."
The Mustangs were without Alec Macleod, who will need three games to rest a knee injury. Moanalua started the season without reserve forward Christian Casinas, who has needed to rest an ankle.
At Moanalua
Kalaheo (1-0) |
13 |
11 |
17 |
11 |
— |
52 |
Moanalua (0-1) |
17 |
17 |
4 |
10 |
— |
48 |
KALAHEO–Kupaa Harrison 24, Kekai Smith 11, Dario Delcastillo 8, Thomas Focht 0, Kela Thomas 0, L.J. Barnes 7, Zach Marrotte 2
MOANALUA–Elo Badua 0, Aljohn Bumanglag 9, Eric Miyauchi 2, Darren Fontanilla 0, Jamaal Willis 17, Antoine Hines 5, Zach Puulei 0, Charles Johnson 1, Karson Cruz 6, Jordan Williams 0, Aaron Stuart 8.
3-point goals–Kalh: 3 (Barnes, Smith, Harrison). Moan: 1 (Willis).
NO. 1 FARRINGTON 73, ANUENUE 22
Jacob McEnroe scored a game-high 16 points to lead three Governors in double-digits in a win over Na Koa. Van Hugo added 11 points and Ton Selga finished with 10.
At Farrington
Anuenue (0-1) |
7 |
5 |
3 |
7 |
— |
22 |
Farrington (1-0) |
20 |
21 |
12 |
20 |
— |
73 |
ANUENUE–Ikaika Benjamin 2, Kamana’opono Grace-Kekawa 0, Kamalu Kamauoha 5, Kimo Romena 0, Pono Kahili 8, Naalii Dureg 4, Kamanao Dureg 2, Kailau Keola 0, Namaka Park 0, Kawaa Kahana 0, Kaleo Lindsey 1.
FARRINGTON–Jacob McEnroe 16, Mark Dudalao 4, Isaiah Smith 6, Van Hugo 11, Isaiah Visoria 8, Tua Unutoa 3, Seu Luafatasaga 8, Jay-Ar Francisco 2, Jacob Yaplag 2, John Paul Raymundo 3, Ton Selga 10.
3-point goals–Anuenue none. Farrington 3 (Selga 2, Unutoa).
NO. 10 MCKINLEY 65, KAIMUKI 49
Macjun Otarra and Dayton Lee teamed up for 15 points apiece as the Tigers routed the visiting Bulldogs.
Kaimuki’s Tayler Espinda scored a game-high 20 points, including six 3-pointers, in the loss.
At McKinley
Kaimuki (0-1) |
14 |
17 |
06 |
12 |
— |
49 |
McKinley (1-0) |
17 |
19 |
16 |
13 |
— |
65 |
KAIMUKI–Sean Noda 9, Christian Ono 2, Sloan Fuller 0, Jerry Betiru 11, Kency Owens 0, Akira Vernon 7, Faafetai Lucio 0, Tayler Espinda 20.
MCKINLEY–Josh Lam 4, Lanson Hino 0, Brennan Waters 4, Dan Villejo 14, Joramae Otarra 0, Nelson Pita 6, Macjun Otarra 15, Dayton Lee 15, Jeff Fronda 3, Kaimi Kini 4.
3-point goals–Kaimuki 7 (Espinda 6, Betiru). McKinley 5 (Lee 2, Fronda, M. Otarra, Villejo).
Junior varsity–McKinley 35, Kaimuki 25
KALANI 42, ROOSEVELT 41
The Rough Riders bounced back after a scoreless first quarter but fell short to the visiting Falcons in the final seconds.
Cory Mitchell led Kalani with 11 points, while Roosevelt’s Mick Colling scored a game-high 13.
At Roosevelt
Kalani (1-0) |
17 |
07 |
07 |
11 |
— |
42 |
Roosevelt (0-1) |
00 |
19 |
06 |
16 |
— |
41 |
KALANI–Dallas Ascuncion 8, Shane Ra 3, Jaron Yamauchi 5, Alexander Tungpalan 6, Cory Mitchell 11, Blaise Manabe 0, Dunavan Hahn 0, Brandon Roberts 7, John Suda 2, Juwan Bohannon 0, Ace Faumui 0.
ROOSEVELT–Chaston Marcos 4, Justin Furtado 9, Jake Kawasaki 8, Mick Colling 13, Kevin Foster 7, Sean Zukeran 0, Josh Alexander 0, Brent Quakenbush 0, Felix He 0.
3-point goals–Kalani 2 (Ascuncion, Roberts). Roosevelt 2 (Furtado, Foster).
Junior varsity–Kalani 46, Roosevelt 32
KAISER 46, KAILUA 38
Kelsey Lewis scored 19 points to lead the Cougars over the Surfriders. Matthew Bishop scored 12 points for Kailua.
At Kailua
Kaiser (1-0) |
15 |
07 |
08 |
16 |
— |
46 |
Kailua (0-1) |
12 |
08 |
08 |
10 |
— |
38 |
KAISER–Tarius Hill 2, Kelsey Lewis 19, Jeshua Bitanga 0, Kahoali’i Karratti 0, Nicolas Tom 3, Isaac Slade-Matuatia 3, Nicholas Lebeck 0, Makena Kaneaiakala 5, Trevin Kahunanui 4, Chance Kalaugher 6, Matt Haili 2, Marcus Mafi 2.
KAILUA–Nainoa Mercado 0, Eric Laboy 0, Peter Kanoho 2, Matthew Bishop 12, Kamu Scheer 9, Hano Kohatsu 8, Christian Mejia 1, Russell Foster 0, Noah Ah Yat 0, Noah Auld 6,
3-point goals–Kaiser 4 (Lewis 3, Tom). Kailua 1 (Scheer).
Junior varsity–Kaiser 61, Kailua 46
KAHUKU 85, CASTLE 49
Samuta Avea scored 23 points and five of his teammates scored in double figures to lead the Red Raiders over the Knights.
Keanu Akina scored 14 points, Huleia Naeole and Hirkley Latu scored 11 each, and Wilton Cravens and Chance Maghanoy added 10 each for Kahuku.
Joe Lilio scored 14 points and David Benevedes had 11 for Castle.
At Kahuku
Castle (0-1) |
13 |
12 |
13 |
11 |
— |
49 |
Kahuku (1-0) |
18 |
28 |
17 |
22 |
— |
85 |
CASTLE–Chad Figueroa 0, Lalio Keaweaiko-Tilton 3, Justin Pang 5, Aukai Keaweaiko-Tilton 0, KJ Ng 8, Kumu Oana 2, Clay Mitchell 6, Joe Lilio 14, David Benevedes 11.
KAHUKU–Keanu Akina 14, Chance Maghanoy 10, Huleia Naeole 11, Wilton Cravens 10, Kesi Ah Hoy 6, Soli Afalava 0, Hirkley Latu 11, Samuta Avea 23, Tuli Wily-Matagi 0.
3-point goals–Castle none. Kahuku 8 (Akina 4, Avea 2, Cravens, Maghanoy).
Junior varsity–Kahuku 73, Castle 28
OIA WEST BOYS
PEARL CITY 55, NANAKULI 36
Eric Dela Pena recorded a game-high 15 points as the Chargers defeated the Golden Hawks.
Shandy Reyes added 12 points for Pearl City, followed by Ivan Nakasone with 11.
Josh Lincoln led Nanakuli with 10 points.
At Pearl City
Nanakuli (0-1) |
08 |
11 |
09 |
08 |
— |
36 |
Pearl City (1-0) |
06 |
16 |
15 |
18 |
— |
55 |
NANAKULI–Naliko Kea 3, Kale Kanehailua 3, Kamaua Van Geison 2, Iverson Sione 8, Josh Lincoln 10, Lyle Tuiloma 4, Louis Hulama 4, Kealii Awong 2, Jason Salvador 0.
PEARL CITY–Tylor Canon 5, Eric Dela Pena 15, Justin Bautista 2, Shandy Reyes 12, Matthew Garcia 0, Joshua Arellano 0, Ivan Nakasone 11, Christopher Roy 4, Garette Kanamu 4, P-Jay Solomon 2.
3-point goals–Nanakuli 1 (Sione). Pearl City 7 (Dela Pena 3, Nakasone 3, Canon).
Junior varsity–Pearl City 40, Nanakuli 25
MILILANI 76, AIEA 73
Elijah Butler scored 27 points and Ian Namu had 11 to lead the Trojans over Na Alii.
Mililani trailed for most of the game and went ahead early in the fourth quarter. Butler hit six free throws in the final period to help Mililani hold off Aiea, which got 18 points from Amara Toure and 11 from Bryan Naito.
At Mililani
Aiea (0-1) |
26 |
14 |
17 |
16 |
— |
73 |
Mililani (1-0) |
15 |
17 |
23 |
21 |
— |
76 |
AIEA–Cory Walton 0, Kysen Helepololei 5, Austin Hartbarger 0, Matt Sio 0, Shaun Aque 15, Jantsen Shimoto 0, Josh Hill 2, Bronson Lee 8, Brandon Lee 6, Micah Chang-Olivar 0, Christian Kessell 2, Bryan Naito 11, Mana Kaahanui 2, Kimo Souza 4, Amara Toure 18, M. Kula 0.
MILILANI–Braiden Rosario 0, Cameron Muh 0, Jeremy Rozmeski 3, Noel Bueno 6, Kingston Nishimura 9, John Orpillia 0, Cody Sison 6, Elijah Gambol 2, Ian Namu 11, Sean Fitzgerald 0, Jacob Low 8, Elijah Butler 27, James Ziegler 4, Logan Griff 0, Mason Mackey 0.
3-point goals–Aiea 9 (Aque 5, Bronson Lee 2, Helepololei, Naito). Mililani 1 (Bueno).
Junior varsity–Mililani def. Aiea
CAMPBELL 48, LEILEHUA 45
Senior forward Melvin Bergado tossed in a game-high 10 points as the Sabers held off the Mules.
At Campbell
Leilehua (0-1) |
11 |
12 |
9 |
13 |
— |
45 |
Campbell (1-0) |
14 |
10 |
07 |
17 |
— |
48 |
LEILEHUA–Kainoa Aleviado 5, Jarron Kim-Raguirag 2, Chanse Ramirez 9, Joseph Gouty 2, Kevin Brown 2, Anterrio Gainwell 0, Elijah Calzo 0, Koa Kauhi 4, Dhyllan Amond 2, Pomai Cozo 9, Bryan Mason 4, Torenzo Vereen 6.
CAMPBELL–Jomar Jett Gapusan 5, Michael Merchant 4, Isaac Hurd 5, Jayce Bantolina 0, Lamart Dudley 9, Gilbert Dayanan 8, Melvin Bergado 10, Kainoa Perry 2, Alex Layi 5.
3-point goals–Leilehua 2 (Aleviado, Cozo). Campbell 2 ( Jett Gapusan, Layi).
Junior varsity–Campbell 47, Leilehua 39
RADFORD 47, WAIANAE 38
Tobias Powell scored 11 points and Derrick McLamore hit three 3-pointers to lead the Rams past the Seariders.
At Waianae
Radford (1-0) |
10 |
11 |
12 |
14 |
— |
47 |
Waianae (0-1) |
06 |
09 |
10 |
13 |
— |
48 |
RADFORD–Jordin Pacheco 2, Malcolm Hill 1, Mark Reven Villejo 0, Tobias Powell 11, Derrick McLamore 9, Jordan Riley 7, Trevon Hinkel 8, LaToine Thompson 0, Absolom Henry 7, Izaiah Lavatai 0, Aaron Jackson 2.
WAIANAE–Tyger Rohr 4, Natano Namulauti 0, Josh Searles 11, Makana Piilani 3, Ikaika Trueman-Reed 2, Winston Kekahuna 0, Austin Thomas 4, Bronson Brown-Kaopua 12, Sage Cruz 2.
3-point goals–Radford 4 (McLamore 3, Powell). Waianae 1 (Piilani).
Junior varsity–Radford 51, Waianae 36
KAPOLEI 62, WAIALUA 49
Matthew Henderson finished with a game-high 20 points to lead the Hurricanes over the Bulldogs.
Augustine Stridiron and Tyqwan Womack added 10 points each for Kapolei.
At Kapolei
Waialua (0-1) |
09 |
13 |
13 |
14 |
— |
49 |
Kapolei (1-0) |
15 |
16 |
14 |
17 |
— |
62 |
WAIALUA–Sean Murphy 2, Jeren Dingal 7, Mark Garcia 0, Xavier Repollo 7, Royce Gasper 11, Virgilio Bareng 3, Edmund Nocum 0, Kaimana Equires 7, Tripp Blaser 12, Aaron Nunez 0, Wyatt Rushing 0.
KAPOLEI–Zhaine Canne 1, Tyqwan Womack 10, Koa Alvarado 2, Abdel-Kader Ziane 14, Jeffery Garret 2, Augustine Stridiron 10, Benjahmin Toomolatai 2, Matthew Henderson 20, William Auwae 1.
3-point goals–Waialua 2 (Repollo, Equires). Kapolei 7 (Womack, Ziane 3, Stridiron 3).
Junior varsity–Kapolei 50, Waialua 31