Punahou comes through in 'must-win' game | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Punahou's Nick Velasquez went to the hoop ahead of Maryknoll's Danny Danbara in the second half.

Punahou has been here before.

The defending state champion Buffanblu boys basketball team executed down the stretch and No. 1 Maryknoll didn’t, giving the Buffanblu a 47-41 win at Punahou on Saturday.

Even though No. 2 Punahou took down the state’s top-ranked team, don’t call it an upset. The Buffanblu held off an AOP team assembled with the sole purpose of beating them last year and have proven they can do the same with Maryknoll this year. Both teams are 6-1 in the ILH with three games left and a state berth awaiting the team that can win the regular season. It was Maryknoll’s first loss to a team from Hawaii this season.

"It was a must-win for us," Punahou guard Nick Velsaquez said. "We lost to them at their place and we just wanted to show that we are still defending state champs."

The Spartans, who won the first meeting 70-66, brought their game when they walked across the street to Punahou’s gym. The Spartans ran out to an eight-point lead with five minutes left in the second quarter. But Punahou closed the half with three straight 3-pointers, two from Dayson Watanabe sandwiching one from Jordan Tanuvasa. The spurt took Punahou into the locker room with a one-point lead.

"With the momentum going into the half, that really helped us," Tanuvasa said. "We had (Watanabe) and (Kupono Fey, who led the team with 13 points) in the game and we just started to do what we do. (Watanabe) is a very good 3-point shooter and I just had to hit the open man."

The Spartans recovered from the barrage and took a 41-39 lead with 3:10 left in the game on a long jumper by Joshua Burnett. Then Punahou’s experience in big games made the difference.

Hyrum Harris, who led Maryknoll with 16 points and ruled the boards, got an offensive rebound off a long shot by Burnett from the top of the key but dribbled out of bounds with 1:26 left. Velasquez missed a layup to make the mistake manageable, but Maryknoll center Tobias Schramm failed to connect on a pass to Kaleb Gilmore in front of the Spartans’ bench, bouncing it out of bounds when Gilmore cut the other way. Punahou’s Kanawai Noa provided the pressure on both of the turnovers.

"I think Kanawai is one of the best, if not the best, defensive players in the state and he was involved in both of them," Punahou coach Darren Matsuda said. "I like to think it was our defense that made the plays."

Tanuvasa put it out of reach with two free throws with 11.7 seconds left after Maryknoll tried an alley-oop off an inbounds play, but Burnett’s layup missed.

Maryknoll coach Kelly Grant was fuming after the game, wondering what happened to his Spartans team that imploded down the stretch after winning close games against Punahou, ‘Iolani and Baldwin this season. Nobody else has pushed them.

"Give credit to Punahou; they put a lot of pressure on the ball," Grant said. "But we gave it away. It was the worst three minutes of our season down the stretch, guys trying to do their own thing, not running the plays. You are not going to win big games when you play like that."

At Punahou

Maryknoll (6-1)	12	12	8	9	—	41
Punahou (6-1)	8	17	9	13	—	47

MARYKNOLL—Hyrum Harris 16, Tobias Schramm 9, Kaleb Gilmore 7, Joshua Burnett 6, Danny Danbara 3, Tamamoko Green 0, Sean Ogata 0, Tyson Kaloa 0, John Mayer 0.
PUNAHOU—Kupono Fey 13, Dayson Watanabe 8, Nick Velasquez 11, Jordan Tanuvasa 7, Daniel Andrews 6, Randon Oda 2, Micah Ma’a 0, Justin Kam 0.
3-pointers—Mkn: 1 (Gilmore). Pun: 4 (Watanabe 2, Velasquez, Tanuvasa).

Saint Louis 41, No. 4 ‘Iolani 34

Jaron Hall-Monis put up 15 points as the Crusaders upended the Raiders.

At ‘Iolani

Saint Louis (2-5)	4	5	10	22	—	41
‘Iolani (3-4)	6	6	7	15	—	34

SAINT LOUIS—Ricky Alho-Pinera 0, Jimmy Nunuha III 6, Kevin Marks 3, Ihaka Johnson 4, Nate Mantanona 6, Jaron Hall-Monis 15, Wallen Te’o 0, Robert Sawinski 6, Spencer Johnson 1.
‘IOLANI—Andrew Okimura 0, Drew Uchiyama 7, Reece Foy 4, Ikaika Phillip 7, Chris Gallacher 0, Marc Ma 0, Trey Kidd 1, Zach Buscher 8, Erik Yamada 6, John Lee 1, Josiah Situmeang 0.
3-point goals—Saint Louis 2 (Marks, Johnson). ‘Iolani 6 (Uchiyama 2, Foy, Philip, Buscher, Yamada).

ILH DIVISION II BOYS

Damien 65, Lanakila Baptist 61

Linden Quintal scored 14 points as the Monarchs held off a late rally by the Warriors, who were led by Elijah Butler’s 18 points.

At Damien

LB (2-5)	14	10	16	21	—	61
DMS (7-0)	16	17	17	15	—	65

LANAKILA BAPTIST— Elijah Butler 18, Isaac Shubert 6, Roycen Routt 14, Jeremy Clark 4, Andrew Walker 15, Jerrold Mariano 4.
DAMIEN—Noah Ferreira 0, Kobe Ikari 10, Aaron Miyahira 0, Jaylen Layco 14, Linden Quintal 14, Nick Arakaki , Kapiina King 5, Marcus Mafi 0, Ashton Obrero 11, Alex Fant 3, Rocky Mori 5, James Roy 3.
3-point goals—LB none. Damien 2 (Ikari, Roy).

Le Jardin 55, Hanalani 53

Juliun Perkins racked up 20 points and 29 rebounds as the Bulldogs beat the Royals.

At Le Jardin

Hanalani (3-3)	13	16	8	16	—	53
Le Jardin (1-6)	10	18	15	12	—	55

HANALANI—Lucas Leaman 6, Michael Milton 18, John Brady 2, Jordan Ebisu 0, Logan Oyama 0, Nicholas Milone 10, Zane Pantil 11, Jesse Tory 0, Conner Kaneshiro 0, Chas Kubo 0, Jeff Schaake 0, Tyler Cruz 0, Isaac Liva 6, Colby Schoniwitz 0, Scott Fujiwara 0, Duane Teem 0, Kody Fahrni 0.
LE JARDIN—Jeremy Yurow 0, Mitchell Hashimoto 0, Michael Gabrelcik 10, Alex Tatum 2, Tristan Watts 0, Stig Regan 0, Corey Grip 0, Juliun Perkins 20, Nicholas Vinsonhaler 7, Dillan Van Ness 8, Jacob Blaskowski 8, Johnson Le 0.
3-point goals—Hanalani 5 (Milton 4, Pantil). Le Jardin 3 (Gabrelcik, Vinsonhaler, Blaskowski).

St. Francis 70, Island Pacific 26

Matthew Nuumanaia drained five 3-pointers en route to a game-high 21 points as the Saints routed the Navigators.
Jason Brenner had 11 points and Harvey Alexander 10 for Island Pacific.

At Palama Settlement

StF (7-0)	18	18	15	19	—	70
IPA (3-4)	2	12	5	7	—	26

ST. FRANCIS—Austin Ursua 16, Keola Kealoha 7, Kyle Lau 5, Sosiua Havea 2, Matthew Nuumanaia 21, Kalani Akana 4, Shabir Lynton 0, Nayton Koki 0, Blayne Won 4, Janson Kupau 2, Keoni Tom-Millare 2, Daron Sun 2, Lachoneus Tautuiaki 0, Ranan Mamiya 5.
ISLAND PACIFIC—Josiah Gabriel 0, Jason Brenner 11, Harvey Alexander 10, Michael Brenner 0, Brett Arakawa 0, Ian Schumaker 3, Dalton Wood 0, Andrew McCarthy 2, Eric Longanecker 0.
3-point goals—St. Francis 10 ( Nuumanaia 5, Ursua 2, Kealoha, Akana, Lau). Island Pacific 3 (Brenner 3).

Also
University 68, Christian Academy 58

OIA EAST BOYS

No. 7 Moanalua 52, Farrington 46

Ola Brown scored 15 points to lead Na Menehune past the Governors, who were led by Jacob McEnroe’s 14 points.

At Farrington

Moanalua (7-1)	19	12	13	8	—	52
Farrington (6-2)	8	16	10	12	—	46

MOANALUA—Jon-Michael Sharsh 0, Ola Brown 15, Reyn Okimoto 0, Elo Badua 0, Kahanu Pu’ulei-Auld 12, Alijohn Bumanglag 0, Jamaal Willis 4, Antoine Hines 3, Zack Pu’ulei-Loi-On 0, Justin Hudcovic 6, Wyatt Nunes 0, Eliet Donley 12, Alaziar Torres 0, Aaron Stuart 0.
FARRINGTON—Jacob McEnroe 14, Mark Dudalao 2, Isaiah Smith 2, Van Hugo 6, Marco Cudia 7, Lee Jensen Mahiai 0, Tyler Liana 7, David Luafatasago 1, Mason Semisi 7.
3-point goals—Moanalua 1 (Willis). Farrington 2 (Hugo, Liana).
Junior varsity—Moanalua 42, Farrington 30

Kalani 53, Anuenue 16

Brandon Roberts and Ryan Kuboyama scored nine points each as the Falcons routed Na Koa.

At Kalani

Anuenue (0-8)	4	1	5	6	—	16
Kalani (5-3)	24	15	7	7	—	53

ANUENUE—Ikaika Benjamin 5, Kamanaopono Grace-Kekawa 0, Kimo Romena 4, Kamana’o Dureg 0, Naali’i Dureg 3, Ka’imi Tasaka 0, Kawa’a Kahana-Reid 0, Keanu Rodriguez 0, Pono Kahili 4, Kaleo Lindsey 0, Kaleo Gaspar 0.
KALANI—Dallas Asuncion 6, Trevor Yamashita 6, Alexander Tungpalan 2, Cory Mitchell 2, Ryan Kuboyama 9, Shiraz Dole 2, Matthew Haili 5, Brandon Roberts 9, Michael Pimental 5, Brandon Hill 7.
3-point goals—Anuenue 1 (Benjamin). Kalani 2 (Kuboyama, Roberts).

Roosevelt 61, McKinley 51

Isaiah Visoria scored 14 points as the Rough Riders beat the Tigers.
AJ Ortaleza led McKinley with 21 points.

At McKinley

Roosevelt (4-4)	17	17	11	16	—	61
Mckinley (4-4)	10	7	20	14	—	51

ROOSEVELT—Bryson Quakenbush 8, JJ Acopan 11, Justin Furtado 6, Jake Kawasaki 2, Isaiah Visoria 14, Anfernee Liwai 11, Mick Colling 5, Valen Inaura 0, Chaston Marcos 4, Joshua Alexander 0.
MCKINLEY—Dan Villejo 9, Kui Williams 5, Brennan Waters 0, Joseph Alzona 6, Dayton Lee 0, Jeff Fronda 10, AJ Ortaleza 21, Erolino Javier 0, Jared Malaga 0.
3-point goals—Roosevelt 5 (Acopan 3, Quakenbush 2). McKinley 3 (Alzona 2, Villejo).
Junior varsity—McKinley 56, Roosevelt 30

Kaiser 30, Kailua 27

Kaiser’s Tarius Hill and Chance Kalaugher scored eight points apiece as the Cougars edged the Surfriders.

At Kailua

Kaiser (3-5)	5	9	5	11	—	30
Kailua (4-4)	6	13	3	5	—	27

KAISER—Nic Tom 0, Melvin Kahunanui 5, Brysen Chun-Ming 0, Makena Kaneaiakala 6, Jensen Momoki 0, Trevin Kahunanui 3, Tarius Hill 8, Taylor Damaschi 0, Chance Kalaugher 8, Leimana Chong-Gum 0.
KAILUA—Cason Kalei 1, Kalani Johnson 0, Willie Kailimai 0, Kawika Lewis 0, Matthew Bishop 2, Delywn Richards Jr. 3, Noah Auld 2, Christian Kamu Scheer 0, Mason Youart 4, Kekoa Ford 8, Kirk Ronolo Jr. 7.
3-point goals—Kaiser none. Kailua 2 (Richards, Ford).
Junior varsity—Kailua 70, Kaiser 59

Kaimuki 59, Castle 46

Jaypee Unabia hit five 3-pointers and scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Bulldogs over the Knights. Justin Pang scored 14 to lead Castle.

At Kaimuki

Castle (0-8)	6	9	15	16	—	46
Kaimuki (2-6)	6	17	13	23	—	59

CASTLE—Justin Pang 14, Kela Shea 10, Keanu Furtado 2, Erik Smith 2, Nui Furtado 6, Joe Lilio III 12, Bryson Aiwohi 0.
KAIMUKI—Kency Owens 0, Jaypee Unabia 24, Tai Boyd 18, Kenny Fujioka 0, Hunter Young 5, Henry Alesana 0, Akira Vernon 4, Zachary Bastatas 8.
3-point goals—Castle 4 (Pang 4). Kaimuki 7 (Unabia 5, Bastatas 2).
Junior varsity—Castle 74, Kaimuki 63

OIA WEST BOYS

No. 5 Kapolei 47, Pearl City 44, OT

The Hurricanes edged the Chargers in overtime to claim the OIA West’s top seed.
Christopher Dillard and Elijah Gipson led Kapolei with 12 points apiece. Isaac Amorin had a team-high 17 points in Pearl City’s first conference loss.

At Pearl City

Kapolei (7-0)	9	12	10	11	5	—	47
Pearl City (7-1)	9	4	15	14	2	—	44

KAPOLEI—Augustine Stridiron 0, Elia McKeague 0, Dorien Antonio-Martos 5, Curtis Tavares 10, Ka’eo Soares 0, Joshua Wills 0, Kulakomohana Seno 0, Aaron Jackson 0, Christopher Dillard 12, Brailand Hern 0, Benjahmin Toomolatai 0, Zachary Reeves 2, Mason Alfaro 2, Elijah Gipson 12, Michael Kapoi 4.
PEARL CITY—Isaac Amorin 17, Eric Dela Pena 0, Reymart Rosario 5, Tyson Hickcox 6, Zach Kaya 4, Sonny Glisson 4, Daicorri Briscoe 8, Bricen Shaser 0, Shandy Reyes 0, Joshua Cubi 0, Justine Bautista 0, Bryson Galderia 0, Josh Arellano 0.
3-point goals—Kapolei 5 (Tavares 2, Dillard 2, Antonio-Martos). Pearl City 2 (Amorin, Rosario).
Junior varsity—Pearl City 41, Kapolei 28

Radford 48, Nanakuli 44

Jordan Riley went 7-for-7 from the field and scored 18 of his 26 points in the first quarter to lead the Rams past the Golden Hawks.

At Nanakuli

Nanakuli (2-6)	12	14	8	10	—	44
Radford (2-6)	20	15	5	8	—	48

NANAKULI—Alika Moore 1, Charles Garcia 2, Josh DeFreitas 17, Joe Shelton 20, Royce Ochimas 4, Sebastian Gaison 0.
RADFORD—Jordin Pacheco 0, Kalei Wong 0, Malcolm Hill 4, Mark Reven Villejo 0, Jamaree Jackson 7, Courtney Spencer 2, Ammon Seei 0, Jordan Riley 26, Mana Kakiva 2, Blake Weldon 0, Lupe Terawaa 7, Kendall Bryant 0.
3-point goals—Nanakuli 6 (DeFreitas 4, Shelton 2). Radford 5 (Riley 4, Hill).
Junior varsity—Radford 49, Nanakuli 44

Leilehua 55, Waialua 47

Senior guard Troy Ross hit half his game-high 20 points from the free-throw line as the Mules held off the Bulldogs.

At Leilehua

Waialua (1-6)	8	4	14	21	—	47
Leilehua (5-2)	14	12	12	17	—	55

WAIALUA—Brian Jay Pascua 0, Xavier Repollo 12, Lance Manalo 7, Kaumana Ejuires 0, Keevin Cuadro 8, Richard Pascua 4, William Blaser 5, Jeren Dingal 2, Shannon Fisher-LaRue 6, Isaiah McShane 0, Wyatt Rushing 0, Koa Lagupa 3.
LEILEHUA—Carlan Hayes 7, Justin Jenks 0, Kristian Wong-Ventura 1, Branson Funakoshi 0, Elijah Calzo 6, Kenneth Hill 7, Troy Ross 20, Dyllan Amond 3, Marvin Roldan 0, Marquis Jackson 0, Torenzo Vereen 11.
3-point goals—Waialua 5 (Cuadro 2, Repollo, Manalo, Fisher-LaRue). Leilehua 1 (Hill).
Junior varsity—Leilehua 75, Waialua 31

Campbell 62, Waipahu 37

Jayce Bantolina scored eight of his 15 points in the third quarter as the Sabers routed the Marauders.
Jed Pagtulingan led Waipahu with 14 points.

At Campbell

Waipahu (1-6)	12	4	6	15	—	37
Campbell (5-2)	18	14	13	17	—	62

WAIPAHU—Keanu Deboma 4, Tupou Eliu 0, Al Jerome Leano 3, Brandon Lucien-Timbreza 1, Bryan Mason 5, Ryan Mendoza 4, Brendan Mendoza-Bulong 1, Eliser Paclob Jr. 1, Jed Pagtulingan 14, Abelle Tejada 4, Jusyl Tambobolan 0, Naftali Tolibas 0.
CAMPBELL—Brannon Cody Bantolina 0, Jomar Jett Gapusan 6, Alex Layi 0, Joshua Michael Forte 3, Jayce Bantolina 15, Paul Andrew Rhoden 0, Justin Tago’Sue 6, Gilbert Dayanan 10, Melvin Bergado 10, Donovan Poniatowski 2, Juan-Paulo Felizardo 6, Kainoa Perry 2, Solomon Leaeno 2, John Paulo Arigo 0.
3-point goals—Waipahu 2 (Leano, Pagtulingan). Campbell 6 (Gapusan 2, Dayanan 2, Bantolina, Tago’Sue).
Junior varsity—Campbell 50, Waipahu 45

Mililani 56, Aiea 52

Peter Bueno scored nine points as the Trojans trumped Na Alii.
Christian Maglaya scored 19 points for Aiea.
At Mililani

Aiea (1-6)	13	15	8	16	—	52
Mililani (4-3)	12	10	18	16	—	56

AIEA—Christian Maglaya 19, Mana Kaahanui 2, Aryn Antonio 9, Mikel Raza 0, Kealii Leopoldo 1, Bronson Lee 0, Brandon Lee 0, Bryson Naito 11, Rusty Fontes 0, Sausau Foumai 0, Kimo Souza 2, Matthew Sio 8, Jantsen Shinmoto 0.
MILILANI—Chedan Pascual 7, Jason Calabrese 6, Sylvester Panoncillo 5, Peter Bueno 9, Cody Sison 8, Elijah Gambol 5, Ian Namu 8, Noel Bueno 2, Kekoa Fields 6, Jeremy Rozmeski 0, Sean Fitzgerald 0.
3-point goals—Aiea 5 (Maglaya 3, Antonio, Naito). Mililani 3 (Pascual, Calabrese, P. Bueno).
Junior varsity—Aiea 47, Mililani 46

ILH DIVISION I GIRLS

No. 2 Kamehameha 48, Mid-Pacific 32

Tiare Kanoa scored 14 points as the Warrors downed the Owls.
Alexe Navarro led Mid-Pacific with 11 points.

At Mid-Pacific

KS (10-0)	11	13	12	12	—	48
MPI (2-8)	0	14	11	7	—	32

KAMEHAMEHA—Kealani Ryder 6, Tori-Jean Cambra 2, Kanoe Marks-Mahoe 2, Shelbey Cadinha-Oku 0, Alohi Robins-Hardy 12, Tiare Kanoa 14, Puuwainui Ah-Puck 0, Nicole Kaaihue 0, Lilia Maio 12, Makana Aleki 0.
MID-PACIFIC—Emma Krening 0, Alexe Navarro 11, Kamalei Lyons 0, Kayla Muraoka 0, Kiki Robertson 9, Rebecca Martin 0, Judy Phan 0, Pua Kanekoa 8, Courtney Tom 4.
3-point goals—Kamehameha 1 (Kanoa). Mid-Pacific 2 (Navarro 2).

No. 5 ‘Iolani 51, No. 6 Punahou 44

The Raiders pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Buffanblu.
Abrianna Johnson-Edwards tallied 18 points for ‘Iolani, and Alex Masaquel had 12. Turner Wong led Punahou with 19 points.

At Punahou

‘Iolani (8-2)	13	12	8	18	—	51
Punahou (5-5)	14	12	5	13	—	44

‘IOLANI—Sheyla Pua Kahalehoe 5, Bailey Choy 0, Klein Masutani 2, Brooke Maeda 0, Sierra Buscher 0, Lindsey Combs 0, Abrianna Johnson-Edwards 18, Alyssa Liilii 0, Alex Masaquel 12, Taimane Passi 4, Jade Botelho 10.
PUNAHOU—Keau Fey 4, Aviana Finn 0, Hailey Motooka 2, Astra Kidani 10, Asia Oliveri 0, Turner Wong 19, Kaitlyn Waki 0, Samantha Alakai 1, Tyra Moe 8.
3-point goals—’Iolani 3 (Masaquel 2, Kahalehoe). Punahou 4 (Kidani 2, Wong 2).

No. 7 Maryknoll 50, Sacred Hearts 39

Crystie Wong put up 12 points as the Spartans beat the Lancers.
Zoey Yamamoto led Sacred Hearts with 11 points.

At Maryknoll

Sha (0-10)	8	8	3	20	—	39
Mryk (5-5)	10	13	8	19	—	50

SACRED HEARTS—Tiare Libarios Moses 2, Megan Ke’ala Rutkowski 2 Sheryce Maballo 0, Paris Johnson 2, Ashley Lai 0, Jessica Hanashiro 8, Zoey Yamamoto 11, Kaela Ariana Fiesta 2, Tristan Martin 0, Erica Pagan 6, Celina Pagan 6, Vikatolia Tupou 0, Cierena Aiwohi 0.
MARYKNOLL—Lexi Delovio 2, Maile Goodin 9, Maya Rodriguez-Chang 2, Crystie Wong 12, Maia Laboy 7, Kaile Cambra 3, Kayla Agustin 0, Siena Shupe 2, Maegen Martin 8, Kylie Teramoto 5.
3-point goals—Sacred Hearts 2 (Yamamoto, C. Pagan). Maryknoll 3 (Goodin, Wong, Cambra).

ILH DIVISION III GIRLS

Lutheran 55, Island Pacific 17

Kayla Suganuma sank four 3-pointers and scored 18 points to lead the Lions over the Navigators.