If there’s one thing Kelly Grant knows how to do, this is certainly it.
The Maryknoll boys basketball coach knows how to beat Punahou. The top-ranked Spartans, behind 19 points from sophomore guard Kaleb Gilmore and a superb performance from their front line, edged No. 2 Punahou 70-66 on Wednesday night before a packed house at Clarence T.C. Ching Gymnasium, ending a losing streak to the Buffanblu that is believed to stretch back 25 seasons.
The Spartans (14-1 overall, 2-0 ILH) overcame a 28-point performance by Punahou guard Nick Velasquez, who drained three of his four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to rally the visiting Buffanblu to within a point. Punahou dropped to 1-1 in league play (12-4 overall).
Gilmore shot 7-for-12 from the field, adding five rebounds and a blocked shot.
“He played a great game,” Punahou coach Darren Matsuda said. “He’s turned into a really nice scorer. I thought he was the difference in the game.”
Gilmore had no idea about the drought against Punahou.
“I don’t really know. We lost two in a row to them last year, so this win is crucial for us,” he said. “It was a team effort, practicing defense and boxing out. We were a little bit too excited at the beginning, but everything fell into place.”
It was Grant who was at the helm in 2007, when Kaimuki shocked Punahou in the final of the state championships. Now, at his alma mater, Grant has helped the Spartans end a drought that had gone all the way back to 1988, according to Blaine Gier, a former boys hoops coach and current alumni director.
“We want to be able to compete at the highest level and not be surprised when we win, We don’t want to be running on the court after every big win,” he said, not long after a raucous home crowd celebrated.
Much of the crowd were students, who were raucous from the start.
“Any time you beat Punahou in anything, it means a lot,” Grant said.
Gilmore was one of four Spartans in double figures. Point guard Danny Danbara, who sank all eight of his free-throw attempts in the final quarter, finished with 10 points. Posts Tobias Schramm (10 points, 14 rebounds) and Hyrum Harris (11 points, four boards) were virtually unstoppable under the glass, particularly when they played a high-low game on offense.
“In the beginning, I was a little scared with our free throws, but in the end, that’s what won for us,” the 6-foot-9 Schramm said, noting Maryknoll’s 14-for-16 accuracy in the final quarter at the line. “Hyrum and I are the biggest guys in the state. We have to use that to our advantage.”
Maryknoll outrebounded Punahou, which missed forward Kupono Fey (strep throat), 33-22.
“I’m proud of my kids. We’re going through some adversity, missing some guys,” Matsuda said. “Our guys battled and I’m proud of our guys. We played as hard as we could, and Maryknoll held serve.”
Junior Josh Burnett added 10 points and three steals for the Spartans, who ran the floor well. They used Schramm’s 6-foot-9 frame to help break Punahou’s normally effective fullcourt press. Maryknoll had 15 turnovers to Punahou’s 10, but committed just two giveaways in the final quarter.
At Maryknoll
Punahou (1-1) 13 13 16 24 — 66
Maryknoll (2-0) 9 20 19 22 — 70
PUNAHOU—Randon Oda 2, Jordan Tanuvasa 3, Micah Ma‘a 1, Justin Kam 2, Dayson Watanabe 13, Daniel Andrews 12, Kanawai Noa 4, Nicholas Velasquez 28, Canton Kaumatule 0, Semisi Uluave 1.
MARYKNOLL—Sean Ogata 2, Danny Danbara 10, Kaleb Gilmore 19, Tobias Powell 8, Joshua Burnett 10, Tamamoko Green 0, Hyrum Harris 11, Tobias Schramm 10.
3-point goals—Punahou 7 (Velasquez 4, Tanuvasa, Andrews, Watanabe). Maryknoll none.
ILH DIVISION I boys
No. 4 Kamehameha 51, Mid-Pacific 18
Makoa Camanse-Stevens drained three 3-pointers and finished with 17 points to lead the Warriors over the Owls.
At Mid-Pacific
Kamehameha (2-0) 2 18 19 12 — 51
Mid-Pacific (0-2) 0 9 7 2 — 18
KAMEHAMEHA—Noa Kinimaka 7, Makoa Camanse-Stevens 17, Elijah Leslie 3, Kayson Smith-Bejgrowicz 2, Noah Sua-Godinet 3, Haku Durant 2, Austin Gerard 5, Alaka‘i Fritas 0, Makana Harrison 4, Kody Chai 6, Thordan Latu 2.
MID-PACIFIC—Brian Chung 0, Andrew Maybin 0, Den Suehiro 0, Brennan O’Connell 4, Andrew Kargol 0, Thomas Blanco 1, Kyle Husslein 1, Tyler Yamachika 2, Kenneth Colombe 5, Lamar Carter 0, Justin Daise 0, Ryan Swanson 2, James Woo 0, Gavin Nishizawa 0, Jacob Murray 3.
3-point goals—Kamehameha 7 (Camanse-Stevens 3, Kinimaka, Leslie, Sua-Godinet, Gerard). Mid-Pacific 1 (Colombe).
OIA East boys
Kalaheo 85, Anuenue 20
Alec MacLeod had 17 points to lead a quartet of Mustangs who scored in double figures against Na Koa.
At Kalaheo
Anuenue (0-3) 4 4 6 6 — 20
Kalaheo (3-0) 30 13 20 22 — 85
ANUENUE—Ikaika Benjamin 0, Kamanaopono Grace-Kekawa 1, Kamalu Kamauoha 0, Kimo Romena 4, Kamana‘o Dureg 0, Naali‘i Dureg 10, Ka‘imi Tasaka 0, Kawa‘a Kahana-Reid 2, Keanu Rodriguez 0, Pono Kahili 3, ‘Aleno Del Toro 0, Kaleo Lindsey 0, Kaleo Gaspar 0.
KALAHEO—Josh Ko 4, Shemuel Sukumaran 9, Alec MacLeod 17, Kalei Zuttermeister 4, Kurt Vegas 2, Kalani Green 2, Derick Morgan 13, Salila Tucker 3, Kenny McFadden 10, Kupa‘a Harrison 0, Anthony Rowan 3, Michael Leong 4, Elijah Erickson 14.
3-point goals—Anuenue none. Kalaheo 4 (Sukumaran, MacLeod, Morgan, Rowan).
Farrington 77, McKinley 53
Four Governors scored in double figures in their win over the Tigers. Jacob McEnroe scored 19 points to lead Farrington.
At McKinley
Farrington (3-0) 20 16 17 24 — 77
McKinley (1-2) 12 12 12 17 — 53
FARRINGTON—Jacob McEnroe 19, Mark Dudalao 6, Isaiah Smith 17, Van Hugo 5, Darell Jose 0, Marco Cudia 16, Jeric Cedacio 3, Francis Fepuleai 0, Lee Jensen Mahiai 0, Tyler Liana 11, David Luafatasago 0.
MCKINLEY—Dan Villejo 2, Josh Lam 0, Lanson Hino 2, Kui Williams 6, Brennan Waters 0, Joseph Alzona 7, Dayton Lee 0, Jeff Fronda 4, AJ Ortaleza 20, Erolino Javier 8, Jared Malaga 4.
3-point goals—Farrington 5 (Cudia 2, McEnroe, Hugo, Cedacio). McKinley 7 (Ortaleza 4, Javier 2, Alzona).
Junior varsity—Farrington 39, McKinley 28
Kalani 42, Castle 31
Alex Tungpalan scored 10 points to lead the Falcons over the Knights, who got 16 from Joe Lilio III.
At Castle
Kalani (3-0) 5 15 14 8 — 42
Castle (0-3) 7 12 6 6 — 31
KALANI—Dallas Asuncion 1, Trevor Yamashita 0, Alexander Tungpalan 10, Cory Mitchell 4, Ryan K. 3, Matthew Haili 9, Brandon Roberts 8, Michael Pimental 7, Brandon Hill 0.
CASTLE—Avery Carvalho 0, Justin Pang 6, Kela Shea 7, Keanu Furtado 1, Erik Smith 0, Nui Furtado 1, Charles Kiakona 0, Joe Lilio III 16, Bryson Aiwohi 0.
3-point goals—Kalani 5 (Tungpalan 2, Ryan K., Roberts 2). Castle 2 (Pang 2).
Junior varsity—Kalani 36, Castle 28
No. 7 Moanalua 42, Kailua 32
Kahanu Pu‘ulei-Auld scored 18 points as Na Menehune defeated the Surfriders.
Kirk Ronolo Jr. had 12 points to lead Kailua.
At Kailua
Moanalua (2-1) 10 8 11 13 — 42
Kailua (1-2) 11 4 8 9 — 32
MOANALUA—Jon-Michael Sharsh 0, Ola Brown 14, Kahanu Pu‘ulei-Auld 18, Jamaal Willis 4, Eliet Donley 2, Alaziar Torres 4, Austin Failauga 0.
KAILUA—Cason Kalei 6, Dayson Davids 0, Kalani Johnson 0, Eric Lavole 0, Delywn Richards Jr. 0, Noah Auld 3, Christian Kamu Scheer 2, Kekoa Ford 5, Kirk Ronolo Jr. 12, Marcus Malepeai 4.
3-point goals—Moanalua 2 (Auld 2). Kailua 2 (Ford, Kalei).
Junior varsity—Moanalua 49, Kailua 27
Roosevelt 56, Kaiser 48
Bryson Quakenbush and Isaiah Visoria scored 14 points each to lead the Rough Riders past the Cougars.
At Roosevelt
Kaiser (1-2) 11 11 7 19 — 48
Roosevelt (2-1) 17 16 9 14 — 56
KAISER—Nic Tom 3, Melvin Kahunanui 2, Brysen Chun-Ming 0, Makena Kaneaiakala 19, Jensen Momoki 4, Trevin Kahunanui 8, Tarius Hill 2, Chance Kalaugher 5, Christian Kastrinakis 5.
ROOSEVELT—Bryson Quakenbush 14, JJ Acopan 7, Justin Furtado 0, Jake Kawasaki 0, Isaiah Visoria 14, Anfernee Liwai 8, Alleck Dizon 0, Mick Colling 0, Valen Inaura 2, Henry Maumalanga 3, Algeson Panopio 0, Chaston Marcos 8.
3-point goals—Kaiser none. Roosevelt 4 (Quakenbush 2, Acopan 2).
Junior varsity—Roosevelt 41, Kaiser 36
OIA West Boys
Mililani 59, Waianae 37
Jason Calabrese scored 15 points to lead the Trojans.
At Mililani
Waianae (1-2) 7 9 9 12 — 37
Mililani (1-2) 23 11 11 14 — 59
WAIANAE—Justin Kila 0, Tyger Rohr 6, Jamal Lopez 15, Makana Piilani 0, Cleg Borge 0, Joe Garcia 0, Franklin Galiza 0, Mahvan Tau 0, Alex Richardson 4, Austin Thomas 2, Jonathan Dannog 2, Bronson Brown Kaopua 8, Wayne Silva 0.
MILILANI—Chedan Pascual 3, Jason Calabrese 15, Cody Sison 4, Elijah Gambol 2, Ian Namu 6, Riley Borges 2, Jacob Low 5, Noel Bueno 0, James Ziegler 6, Mene Perese 10, Jeremy Rozmeski 4, Sean Fitzgerald 2.
3-point goals—Waianae none. Mililani 3 (Calabrese 2, Pascual).
Junior varsity—Mililani 54, Waianae 26
Aiea 53, Waialua 46
Bryson Naito had 17 points and Kimo Souza added 12 as Na Alii beat the Bulldogs, who got 17 points from Xavier Repollo.
At Aiea
Waialua (0-2) 2 12 11 21 — 46
Aiea (1-1) 13 11 17 12 — 53
WAIALUA—Ryan Jay Pascual 2, Xavier Repollo 17, L. Manalo 1, Keevin Cuadro 12, Richard Pascual 0, Tripp Blaser 2, Jeren Dingal 10, Isaiah McShane 2.
AIEA—Christian Maglaya 3, Mana Kaahanui 7, Aryn Antonio 4, Matthew Sio 4, Jantsen Shinmoto 1, Kealii Leopoldo 0, Bronson Lee 1, Bryson Naito 17, Rusty Fontes 4, Kimo Souza 12.
3-point goals—Waialua 5 (Repollo 3, Cuadro 2). Aiea 4 (Souza 2, Maglaya, Kaahanui).
Junior varsity—Aiea 56, Waialua 40
Pearl City 43, Leilehua 29
Tyson Hickox scored 12 points to lead the Chargers past the Mules and continue their winning streak in conference play.
At Leilehua
Pearl City (3-0) 17 8 6 12 — 43
Leilehua (1-2) 12 2 8 7 — 29
PEARL CITY—Isaac Amorin 5, Reymart Rosario 2, Tyson Hickcox 12, Zach Kaya 4, Sonny Glisson 9, Daicorri Briscoe 11, Bricen Shaser 0, Shandy Reyes 0, Joshua Cudi 0, Bryson Galderia 0.
LEILEHUA—Carlan Hayes 0, Justin Jenks 2, Kristian Wong-Ventura 3, Shai Pulawa 4, Branson Funakoshi 0, Pomai Cozo 2, Elijah Calzo 0, Troy Ross 9, Dyllan Amond 2, Torenzo Vereen 7.
3-point goals—Pearl City 1 (Briscoe). Leilehua 2 (Wong-Ventura, Ross).
Junior varsity—Leilehua 45, Pearl City 24
Nanakuli 38, Waipahu 34
The Golden Hawks took advantage of a turnover in the last 30 seconds of the fourth quarter to secure a win over the Marauders.
Joe Shelton sank two free throws to put Nanakuli up by four in the final seconds.
Shelton finished with 18 points to lead Nanakuli in scoring.
At Nanakuli
Waipahu (1-2) 7 11 12 4 — 34
Nanakuli (2-1) 16 8 9 5 — 38
WAIPAHU—Keanu Deboma 4, Gerrymie Ilan 0, Al Jerome Leano 0, Bryan Mason 1, Brendan Mendoza-Bulong 3, Eliser Paclob Jr. 6, Jed Pagtulingan 13, Triton Tatupu 7, Naftali Tolibas 0.
NANAKULI—Alika Moore 4, Charles Garcia 4, Tyrson Vincent 3, Joe Shelton 18, Daniel Puni 7, Royce Ochimas 0, Mason Vaivai 0, Sebastian Gaison 2.
3-point goals—Waipahu none. Nanakuli 4 (Moore, Garcia, Vincent, Shelton).
Junior varsity—Waipahu 46, Nanakuli 43
ILH Division I Girls
No. 1 Kamehameha 61,
Mid-Pacific 43
Tiare Kanoa scored 20 points as the Warriors remained undefeated in league play.
Kiki Robertson led the Owls with 18 points.
At Kamehameha
Mid-Pacific (1-4) 12 6 9 16 — 43
Kamehameha (5-0) 12 18 19 12 — 61
MID-PACIFIC—Emma Krening 0, Alexe Navarro 5, Keikilani Lyons 2, Kiki Robertson 18, Rebecca Martin 5, Judy Phan 2, Pua Kanekoa 11, Courtney Tom 0.
KAMEHAMEHA—Breann Nueku 3, Kea Ryder 7, Tori-Jean Cambra 8, Shelbey Cadinha-Oku 0, Alohi Robins-Hardy 8, Tiare Kanoa 20, Puuwainui Ah-Puck 4, Nicole Kaaihue 0, Lilia Maio 11, Makana Aleki 0.
3-point goals—Mid-Pacific 3 (Robertson 2, Navarro). Kamehameha 4 (Kanoa 2, Nueku, Ryder).
ilh division ii girls
Le Jardin 28, La Pietra 22
Renee Van Bergeijk scored 11 points to lead the Bulldogs past the Panthers, who were led by Marina Sewell’s 10 points.
At La Pietra
Le Jardin (4-1) 8 2 6 12 — 28
La Pietra (0-5) 5 5 7 5 — 22
LE JARDIN—Nicole Caspers 0, Jasmine Baginski 0, Renee Van Bergeijk 11, Michelle Takenaka 0, Kelly Kuchenbecker 8, Dana Kim 0, Jordan Gonzales 2, Stephanie Ramos 3, Kacey Kuchenbecker 0, Taylor Valentine 4.
LA PIETRA—Vel Tanuguchi 0, Kiana Hoohuli 0, Gabrielle Mark 4, Napua Lum 0, Chelsea Cypress 1, Marina Sewell 10, Nikki Nguyen 0, Marissa Hoen 7.
3-point goals—Le Jardin none. La Pietra 1 (Sewell).
Hawaii Baptist 55,
St. Andrew’s Priory 21
Jenee Brown scored 11 points as the Eagles defeated the Pride.
At St. Andrew’s Priory
Hawaii Baptist (6-0) 10 21 13 11 — 55
St. Andrew’s (0-5) 7 6 0 8 — 21
HAWAII BAPTIST—Rylie Wada 3, Jaryn Ramos 6, Sara Utsugi 3, Torie Miyoi 6, Jennifer Gonsalves 0, Stephanie Dang 0, Nicole Lopes 0, Hailey Chong 4, Jenee Brown 11, Hayley Dixon 10, Kelsey Bajet 0, Dominique Hart 5, Lauren Sumida 0, Kainani Gruspe 1, Kaily Lum 6.
ST. ANDREW’S—Rachel Tamashiro 4, Megan Ho 4, Megan Elento 0, Lindsey Ancog 0, Kallie Chang 8, Amber Tajiri 5, Kailee Shiraishi 0, Sylvanna Henen 0, Rachel Yamashiro 0.
3-point goals—Hawaii Baptist 3 (Brown 2, Dixon). St. Andrew’s 1 (Tajiri).
Punahou II 49,
Christian Academy 14
Melissa Nakamoto scored a game-high eight points as the Buffanblu downed the Patriots.
At Salt Lake gym
Punahou II (3-1) 13 18 14 4 — 49
CA (0-6) 6 2 0 6 — 14
PUNAHOU II—Kelly Honda 5, Kaheke Martinson 4, Melissa Nakamoto 8, Laakea Marquez 4, Tayler Higgins 4, Megan Lau 6, Ashley Mae Talion 2, Kayla Amano 2, Juliet Von Rohr 2, Eden Te‘o 4, Amy Gangloff , Kasey Li 0, Emily Young 2, Vanessa Va‘a 6.
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY—Andrale Domligan 0, Rhea Elcock 2, Claudeth Ann Teruel 2, Rebecca Abergas 4, Heavenlee Asato 2, Briana Rodrigues 4, Bethany Agcaoili 0, Charanne Bonilla 0, Kristyn Fujii 0.
3-point goals—Punahou II 1 (Honda). Christian Academy none.
ILH Division III Girls
Lanakila Baptist 34, Island Pacific 27
Jeizelyn Pananganan scored 16 points as the Warriors defeated the Navigators to earn their first win in regular-season play.
At Salt Lake gym
Island Pacific (2-2) 7 4 7 9 — 27
Lanakila Baptist (1-4) 11 7 10 6 — 34
ISLAND PACIFIC—Erica Brenner 3, Kaylyn Kekao 2, Nathasia Cabrerus 1, Faith Hartly 0, Tia Odoardi 3, Kiana Fleming 6, Melannie Namoca 3, Chelsa Robello 0, Isabella Yeur 8, Shelby Poole 1, Kaitlyn Glaser 0.
LANAKILA BAPTIST—Jeizelyn Pananganan 16, Emily Abang 2, McKenzie Flowers 0, Bethesa Camacho 0, Nicole Fisher 0, Millie Pacheco 12, Janelle Czerkowy 0, Jessica Yri 0, Katherine Walker 2, Precious Mariano 0, Jasmine Powell-Santiago 2.
3-point goals—Island Pacific 1 (Yeur). Lanakila Baptist 4 (Pacheco 4).
Lutheran 58, Hawaiian Mission 25
Kaleihiwa Ah New had 20 points to lead the Knights.
At Palama Settlement gym
HMA (1-3) 8 2 6 9 — 25
Lutheran (5-0) 10 14 21 13 — 58
HAWAIIAN MISSION—Isabella Olsen 9, Lydia Earles 2, Laryssa Furtado 2, Sita Mairu 2, Sarah Yasin 2, Kalena Kanekua 8.
LUTHERAN—Kayla Suganuma 5, Kailyn Osaki 5, Vikatolia Naulu 16, Kaleihiwa Ah New 20, Doris Naulu 12.
3-point goals—Hawaiian Mission none. Lutheran none.
Also
ILH
Varsity boys
Division I-AA
Kamehameha 53, ‘Iolani 44
Punahou 59, Maryknoll 35
Junior varsity boys
Division II
Hawaiian Mission 50, Hawaii Baptist 30
Hanalani 53, Assets 30
Tuesday’s Result
No. 3 ‘Iolani 41, No. 7 Punahou 36
At ‘Iolani
PUNAHOU (2-3) 9 8 11 8 — 36
‘iolani (3-1) 10 13 13 5 — 41
PUNAHOU—Keaupono Fey 3, Hailey Motooka 6, Astra Kidani 10, Asia Oliveri 4, Turner Wong 6, Kaitlyn Waki 0, Tyra Moe 7.
‘IOLANI—Sheyla Pua Kahalehoe 11, Bailey Choy 3, Klein Masutani 2, Brooke Maeda 0, Sierra Buscher 3, Lindsey Combs 0, Abrianna Johnson-Edwards 0, Alyssa Liilii 2, Alex Masaquel 12, Taimane Passi 0, Jade Botelho 8.
3-point goals—Punahou 1 (Kidani). ‘Iolani 2 (Buscher, Choy).
