Ikaika Phillip has long had an affinity for his math classes while maintaining an impressive academic record at ‘Iolani.

Upon reporting for basketball practice, he knew his chance to produce greater numbers for the Raiders this season came down to a simple equation:

Defense equals opportunity.

Phillip had shown some scoring potential when he joined ‘Iolani’s varsity roster as a sophomore. During the summer leading into his senior season, he devoted close to 18 hours per week to honing his shooting touch.

But given the emphasis the program’s culture places on defense, the opportunity to put his offensive skills to full use remained tied to his development at the other end of the court.

"I wanted to make sure I could stay on the floor because I’m able to play defense," Phillip said. "(The coaches) could count on me as a defensive presence as well."

By sharpening his focus on defense, Phillip now commands the attention of opposing teams.

AN INCREASE in minutes has given Phillip time to display a versatile offensive attack that was on full display in a late-season stretch that propelled ‘Iolani to the ILH title and the top seed in the Hawaiian Airlines/HHSAA Division I Boys Basketball Championship.

Phillip averaged 18.8 points during a four-game run in which ‘Iolani secured a state-tournament berth with two wins over Punahou and the ILH championship with victories over Maryknoll last Friday and Saturday nights.

"I think it just showed us we can do it," Phillip said. "To beat Punahou twice and Maryknoll twice back-to-back gave us the confidence because the ILH is such a difficult league to play in and come out on top."

Phillip can stretch defenses with a soft touch from beyond the 3-point line or drive into the lane to score on feathery mid-range jumpers.

At 6-foot-1, he has also shown a knack for finishing inside when the Raiders opt to post him up.

"He was always a good shooter, and over the course of the summer, he became a great shooter and a great scorer," ‘Iolani coach Dean Shimamoto said. "Really I think it was just opportunity. I think he had those abilities, but I think getting stronger, maturing a little bit and improving his skills a little bit, it hit that tipping point in the offseason … and he had a breakout year.

"In a lot of cases you run stuff, but things break down and you need someone to get a bucket regardless, and Ikaika’s been that guy."

PHILLIP’S EMERGENCE created quandaries for defenses already concerned with guard Zach Buscher’s shooting ability. Their production is complemented by a lineup well-versed in the roles the Raiders’ system requires.

"We’ve got each other’s backs, that’s the main thing," Phillip said. "We know our roles on the team and just execute it."

Phillip worked on his shot in three-hour sessions at Kaneohe District Park — or wherever he could find an open court — six days a week over the summer. But he also concentrated on improving his lateral quickness and his understanding of his assignments in ‘Iolani’s defensive schemes.

"He was struggling a little bit with some of the awareness things and where he needed to be defensively," Shimamoto said. "We told him that before the season started, and he put his mind to it and he improved night and day. I think that was the difference between this year and last year. He really matured defensively."

During the school week, Phillip is rarely home during daylight hours. He’s usually out the door at 5:15 a.m. for his commute from Punaluu. After a full day at school followed by basketball practice in the winter and volleyball in the spring, he’ll get back between 7:30 and 8 p.m. with homework to follow.

He’s managed his time efficiently and maintains a 3.8 grade-point average, with aspirations of pursuing an engineering degree in college. Phillip said his choices to pursue his academic interests as well as basketball include Grinnell College in Iowa and the University of La Verne in California.

FOR NOW, he’s looking forward to playing in the state tournament for the first time in his three-year career, starting with Thursday’s quarterfinal game against either Kalaheo or Lahainaluna. Through ‘Iolani’s ascent this season, the Raiders could count on their stoic scorer to remain well grounded.

"We could have the biggest win or the worst loss and he has the best poker face ever," Shimamoto said. "That’s how his game is, very workmanlike; he never gets too high, never gets too low. Just super consistent, does his job and he’s been solid for us the whole season."