Kahuku trims Moanalua to improve to 4-0
Moanalua's Dexter Williams drove against Kahuku's Shairone Thompson.
So much for rust in mid-December.
The Kahuku Red Raiders, using the inside-out combo of Kawe Johnson and Shairone Thompson, held on for a 48-44 win over seventh-ranked Moanalua last night to remain unbeaten in Oahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference boys basketball.
A polite crowd of about 400 watched at Moanalua’s gym.
"They probably have the best coaching in the whole state. It’s like stealing a win. That is the best 0-3 team in the state," coach Darren Johnson said of Moanalua (4-6 overall), which has lost its three OIA games by a total of 10 points.
Moanalua will play the nation’s No. 2 team, Oak Hill, tonight in the opening round of the ‘Iolani Classic.
Eighth-ranked Kahuku improved to 4-0 in league play and is now 14-0 overall after a whirlwind of nonconference games.
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"A lot of tournaments asked us to play and I never said, ‘No,’ " said Johnson, a former Kailua head football coach who is back at his alma mater coaching two sports.
His son, sophomore Kawe Johnson, was instrumental for an otherwise erratic backcourt. He finished with 12 points, while Thompson had 16 points and eight rebounds.
"Coach says three simple things: play hard, play smart, play fast. So that’s what we go by," Thompson said.
Wesley Armbrust led Moanalua with 14 points and seven boards, and Keven Amaral had 11 points, while Dexter Williams added nine points and four assists.
Unforced turnovers derailed Moanalua often, while Johnson, Thompson and post K.J. Uluave (nine points) hit key shots for Kahuku.
Johnson’s pull-up 3-pointer tied the game at 42-all with 3:07 left, and Thompson took over from there.
The 6-foot-4 senior hit a foul shot to give Kahuku the lead, then hit a post bucket off a feed from Johnson for a 45-42 edge with 1:27 left.
Moanalua’s Richard Villasenor hit a foul shot to bring Na Menehune within two, but Johnson scored on a breakaway layup for a 47-43 lead with less than a minute remaining.
Moanalua pulled within 47-44 on a free throw by Dillon Turk with 8.7 seconds left, but Thompson put the game away with a foul shot with 7 seconds left.
Moanalua turned the ball over in the final seconds and time expired.
Kahuku’s mix of 1-3-1 and 2-3 matchup zones kept Moanalua off balance at times.
It was the first meeting between the teams since Moanalua’s 55-49 win on Feb. 25 to clinch the OIA crown.
| Kahuku (4-0) | 11 | 14 | 8 | 15 | — | 48 |
| Moanalua (0-3) | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | — | 44 |
KAHUKU–Evan Ramirez 2, Kawe Johnson 12, Samala Afalava 6, Tyrone Brown 0, Reed Salanoa 0, Galeai Malufau 0, K.J. Uluave 9, Bronson Beatty 3, Shairone Thompson 16.
MOANALUA–Bronson Kepa 0, Aaron Davis 0, Keven Amaral 11, Dexter Williams 9, Wesley Armbrust 14, Brandon Guerreo 6, Dominique Jones 0, Carl Ko 1, Richard Villasenor 3.
3-point goals: Kahuku 4 (Johnson 2, Afalava 2), Moanalua 5 (Guerreo 2, Amaral, Williams, Armbrust).
Junior varsity: Moanalua 49, Kahuku 34.
Kaimuki 50, Kalani 47
Despite a seven-point deficit at the half, the Bulldogs pulled off a home-court victory over the Falcons. Tevin Nishiyama recorded 17 points for Kaimuki.
At Kaimuki gym
| Kalani (2-2) | 17 | 10 | 6 | 14 | — | 47 |
| Kaimuki (3-2) | 10 | 13 | 13 | 14 | — | 50 |
KALANI–Imani Washington 11, Kory Kashiwabara 9, Tatsuya Ono 16, Takezo Iguchi 8, Benson Leung 0, Jordan Yogi 1, Nick Huth 2, Sam Kahalewai 0, Nick Gamboa 0.
KAIMUKI–Nicholas Motellang 7, Mason Kualii-Moe 10, Chester Sua 4, Tevin Nishiyama 17, Siosi Halaapiapi 4, Dio Talung 6, Jonn Kakitani 2, A.J. Dejesus 0.
3-point goals–Kalani 5 (Ono 3, Kashiwabara 2). Kaimuki 3 (Motellang, Nishiyama, Talung).
Junior varsity–Kaimuki 49, Kalani 39
Farrington 69, Kalaheo 54
Lancelot Williams scored 19 points to lead the Governors past the Mustangs.
At Kalaheo gym
| Farrington (2-0) | 10 | 13 | 24 | 22 | — | 69 |
| Kalaheo (0-3) | 16 | 15 | 8 | 15 | — | 54 |
FARRINGTON–Paul Solomon 2, Ryan Reyes 9, Anastacio Lombawa 0, Clem Rarogal 8, Bernard DeLeon 0, Jeffrey Madarang 12, Chadey Callazo 0, Joel Lanzaderas 0, Bradley Parras 0, Lancelot Williams 19, Viane Vaina 3, J.P. Saycon 14, Shane Cabato-Machado 2.
KALAHEO–Quincy Mason 5, Sage Richardson 1, Joshua Ko 15, Derick Morgan 8, Shem Sukumaran 0, Jordyn Reindollar 0, Anthony Rowan 0, Silila Tucker 0, Jesten Mortensen-Freitas 0, Jorden Santos 0, Kainoa Lauriano 1, Shane Hipa 24.
3-point goals–Farrington 2 (Madarang 2). Kalaheo 5 (Hipa 4, Ko).
Junior varsity–Farrington 45, Kalaheo 43
Roosevelt 66, Castle 48
The Rough Riders found a spark in the fourth quarter to power their way past the Knights.
At Roosevelt gym
| Castle (0-4) | 9 | 13 | 18 | 8 | — | 48 |
| Roosevelt (3-1) | 11 | 13 | 19 | 23 | — | 66 |
CASTLE–Chaz Kobayashi 0, Seth Tiumalu 5, Josh Kong 7, Kui Alimoot 7, Jordan Aleki 22, Micah Maeda 4, Faaesea Lakatani 3, Kainoa Stone 0.
ROOSEVELT–Micah Ikari 5, Ese Tago 6, Cozia Chapman Jr. 0, Brendan Nakatani 4, Johnson Delos Santos 10, Pono Patoc 2, Kaipo Pale 14, Asten Koki 11, Troy Nakasuji 0, J.J. Mariano 14, Nick Samifua 0, Rahni Fisher 0.
3-point goals–Castle 2 (Tiumalu, Kong). Roosevelt 4 (Mariano 2, Delos Santos, Ikari).
Junior varsity–Roosevelt 60, Castle 49
OIA Red West Boys
No. 9 Mililani 47, Waianae 30
Hassan Richardson tossed in a game-high 16 points as the unbeaten Trojans trampled the Seariders.
At Waianae gym
| Mililani (4-0) | 10 | 11 | 14 | 12 | — | 47 |
| Waianae (0-4) | 6 | 8 | 3 | 13 | — | 30 |
MILILANI–Damon Shimabukuro 0, Ryan Jacobs 2, Brady Spiridigliozzi 4, Trent McKinney 4, Kyle Ortiz 4, Kaimihoku Wilson 4, Josh Lenchanko 4, Robbie Griffin 0, Alex Bumgarner 0, Riley Borges 7, Hassan Richardson 16, Ervan Jean Pierre 0, Brandon Tacadena 0, Christian Baltazar 2, Taylor Tuia 0.
WAIANAE–Devon Seabrooks 2, Jaylen Mitchell 6, Devon Kamaka 12, Kealoa Bradley 0, Jonovan Tuinei 6, Jamal Lopez 0, Anthony Niederschmidt 11, Jarryn Marfil 0, Matthew Ramaila 3.
3-point goals–Mililani 2 (Lenchanko, Richardson). Waianae 1 (Niederschmidt).
Junior varsity–Mililani 51, Waianae 19
Leilehua 58, Kapolei 38
Xavieuer Adger scored 19 points to lead the Mules over the Hurricanes.
At Leilehua gym
| Kapolei (1-3) | 5 | 14 | 4 | 15 | — | 38 |
| Leilehua (3-1) | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | — | 58 |
KAPOLEI–Curtis Tavares 9, Devyn Knight 6, Samson Chong 6, Jared Milare 3, Joshua Farias 0, Joshua Wills 4, Kaeo Soares 0, Chris Dillard 2, Kapua Awong 2, Zachary Berg 6, Kiatrell Zachary 0, Jalen Enrique 0.
LEILEHUA–Ikaika Mercado 0, Jeremiah Andrade 0, Trenton Morales 4, Stockton Crowley 8, Reece Acohido 1, Marc Lagmay 2, Jaryn Olayon 4, Xavieuer Adger 19, Richard Cherry 4, Josiah Caravallo 2, Christian Manzo 4, Penetito Melei 5, Russell Siavii 2, Dylan Bender 3.
3-point goals–Kapolei none. Leilehua 3 (Adger 2, Bender).
Junior varsity–Leilehua 39, Kapolei 35
Radford 49, Pearl City 46, OT
Nashon George scored 13 points and converted a putback with 16 seconds left in overtime to help the Rams beat the Chargers.
At Radford gym
| Pearl City (1-4) | 9 | 11 | 16 | 8 | 2 | — | 46 |
| Radford (4-1) | 10 | 7 | 14 | 13 | 5 | — | 49 |
PEARL CITY–Kailon Sabate 2, Ryan Arguelles 1, Josiah DeMello 11, Isaac Shim 10, Nicholas Villarmia 2, Marc Sumiga 12, Paul Perry 6, Kainoa Perez 2.
RADFORD–T.J. Reid 10, Wayne Keyes Jr. 4, Steven Watkins 5, Zach Pelzl 4, Jeromy Castro 1, Tevita Baravilala 2, Maika Ulufale 6, Dorsay Norris 2, Roscoe Kalilikane 2, Nahshon George 13.
3-point goals–Pearl City none. Radford 2 (Ulufale, Reid).
Junior varsity–Radford 28, Pearl City 20
OIA White Boys
Waipahu 74, Anuenue 29
Junior Jayvee Cadiente scored nine of his game-high 21 points in the third quarter as the Marauders outscored Na Koa 32-12 in the period en route to a runaway victory.
At Waipahu gym
| Waipahu (3-0) | 12 | 17 | 32 | 13 | — | 74 | |
| Anuenue (1-1) | 7 | 6 | 12 | 4 | — | 29 |
WAIPAHU–Jonathan Lewis 10, Richard Ugalde 0, Duketoa Tili 6, Brice Dwiggins 0, Marc Moises 4, Daeniel Cullen Diomanpo 13, Jayvee Cadiente 21, Wesley Nagaseu 4, Roy Florenco 2, Tatupu Tatupu 14.
ANUENUE–Ikaika Gante 11, Mahuka Cullen 0, Laakea Manoi-Hyde 0, Makana Fernandez 4, Pono Kahili 0, Kahooipo Mossman-Ancog 3, Kealoha Smith 4, Makamae Wengler 3, Kamea Kahipo 4, Iokepa Waiwaiole 0.
3-point goals–Anuenue 1 (Mossman-Ancog). Waipahu 2 (Lewis 2).
McKinley 47, Kamakau 10
Jason Ramano and Andy Sombatphibane had eight points each as the Tigers rolled Kamakau.
At McKinley gym
| McKinley (2-1) | 17 | 12 | 8 | 10 | — | 47 |
| Kamakau (0-3) | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | — | 10 |
MCKINLEY–Jason Ramano 8, Jovanie Trumata 4, Ryan Arzadon 0, Kyrell Wright 5, Jace Bolosan 0, Micah Waters 4, Justly Laquihon 0, Andy Sombatphibane 8, Alex Ironside 3, Lesley Machiguchi 2, Maaauna Viengmany 4, William Rollman 0, Rio Kwon 5, Wilhem Rivera 2, John Henry Ansagay 2.
KAMAKAU–Kamalu Kamauoha 0, Kalahikiola Heind-Boyd 0, Teawe Olds 5, Kumukoa Oana 0, Hoalu Goodhue 0, Kawaipunahele Tenn 0, Hanna Wasson 0, Keahi Suyat 5, Kalaunui Enos 0.
3-point goals–Kamakau 1 (Olds). McKinley 4 (Ramano 2, Wright, Kwon).
Aiea 54, Nanakuli 34
Taylor Taliulu scored 18 points as Na Alii pulled away from the Golden Hawks.
At Nanakuli gym
Aiea (1-1) 11 17 15 11 — 54
Nanakuli (0-3) 10 9 7 8 — 34
AIEA–Chucky Kaahanui 7, Douglas Tautua 2, Daniel Chambers 0, Terence Fong 0, Branden Abiva 2, Ernesto Salazar 3, Freddy Taliulu 17, Prince Marquez 0, Deshane Luat 0, Colin Naito 5, Taylor Taliulu 18, Tony Iosua 0, Charvin De La Cruz 0, Ilalio Sio 0, Zach Mauga 0.
NANAKULI–Terrell Ochimas 2, Mosiula Moetoto 5, Brenton Corn 0, Kameran Self-Gomes 3, Gary Shelton 7, Nate Auelua-Naki 6, Joe Shelton 7, Clayton Atualevao 2, Kalau Kalawa 0, Ikena Anakalea 2.
3-point goals–Aiea 5 (F. Taliulu 2, T. Taliulu, Kaahanui, Salazar). Nanakuli 3 (G. Shelton, J. Shelton, Self-Gomes).
Junior varsity–Aiea 50, Nanakuli 48
ILH Boys
St. Louis 58, Maryknoll 52
Nate Mantanona scored 18 points to led the Crusaders over the Spartans.
At Maryknoll gym
| Saint Louis (1-1) | 10 | 16 | 14 | 18 | — | 58 |
| Maryknoll (0-3) | 3 | 13 | 7 | 29 | — | 52 |
SAINT LOUIS–Keenan Ayau-Paulos 0, Quinn Arakawa 2, Acen Cabral 10, Nate Mantanona 18, Starr Sua Passi 0, JV Caires 2, Max Botticelli 15, Kurt Vegas 2, Joseph Kanoa 2, Jared Tomaszek 3, Aren Dela Cruz 0, Reeve Koehler 0, Kamalei Corea 4.
MARYKNOLL–Andrew Wu 4, Kekoa Welsh 0, Tobias Powell 0, Isaiah Dowdell 17, Jason Calabrese 0, Kekiai Cashman-Fernandez 0, Austin Gaskins 20, Wyatt Pedro 9, Tufanua Iuvale .2
3-point goals–Saint Louis 5 (Botticelli 3, Mantanona 2). Maryknoll 3 (Dowdell 2, Gaskins).
ILH Division II Girls
Kamehameha 44, Christian Academy 31
Jessica Jeff-Albert and Kapelekua Gramberg scored 12 points each and the Warriors beat the Patriots.
At Maryknoll
| Kamehameha (5-0) | 8 | 14 | 10 | 12 | — | 44 |
| CA (1-4) | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | — | 31 |
KAMEHAMEHA— Christyn Kamaka 2, Skye Young 2, Jessica Jeff-Albert 12, Arianna Kaskauskas 2, Arissa Thronas 0, Tyana Akana 4, Brandilee Alexander 2, Katrina Drier 0, Amber Manini 0, Misty Caspino 8, Angela Reich 0, Kapelekua Gramberg 12.
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY— Leslie Cruz 4, Raion Black 3, Alyssa Yee 0, Rachel Tokuda 8, Rebecca Abergas 0, Tori adres 6, Cheyenne Kessell 4, Briana Rodrigues 6.
3-point goals–None.
