JV game is at the half with Kahuku up 26-21. Lot of debris on the bleachers, mostly brown gunk from the ceiling. The fire-proofing stuff, blown to the floor and seats by yesterday’s storm.
This is going to be a close game in the varsity matchup. Kahuku was unranked only because voters weren’t aware about the three transfers from New Zealand. I’m not expecting Kahuku to play flawless basketball this soon. Chemistry takes time to develop. But this game will be close here in Red Raider country, especially with Kahuku being so tall — three starters at least 6-5 — and Farrington having an all-6 foot and under crew.
FINAL: Kahuku 55, No. 2 Farrington 39
I had technical problems (dead battery and the adaptor didn’t want to work tonight) that will be resolved very soon. In all, though, Kahuku was up just 42-37 with 4 minutes left before closing out strong. The Red Raiders made 12 foul shots in a row in the final 2:36 to win going away.
Defensively, they did a nice job as a team to keep Farrington’s Jake Smith covered and he could’t get a clean look from deep all night.
Denhym Brooke (14 points, eight boards), Samuta Avea (13/7), Hyrum Harris (7/10) and Keanu Akina (12 points) were solid, solid, solid. It’s only been a week since Kahuku made a splash at the Punahou Invitational, but their willingness to share the ball, run the floor, play strong defense … is this the team to beat in the OIA?
Too early to say, especially with Kalaheo winning the Punahou tourney last week. But the OIA East is truly a beast.
Farrington got 11 points from Bryce Tatupu-Leopoldo and Mamiya had 11 points with seven steals. He was a blur.
Story in tomorrow’s Star-Advertiser.
other boys scores:
Kalani 78, Kaiser 77 (2OT)
Juwon Bohannon scored on a layup with two seconds left in the second overtime to carry the Falcons over the Cougars.
No. 10 McKinley 73, Anuenue 30
Dan Villejo scored 15 points, Niko Pader added 14 and Isaac Lu had 11 as the Tigers beat Na Koa.
Kimo Romena scored 14 points for Anuenue.
Roosevelt 73, Castle 56
Kevin Foster scored 25 points and Brent Quakenbush added 19 as the Rough Riders defeated the Knights to open conference play.
David Benevedes led Castle with 22.
Moanalua 45, Kailua 36
Down 26-21 late in the third quarter, Na Menehune stepped up the defensive pressure, forcing a succession of turnovers to take the lead and pull away from the Surfriders.
Moanalua outscored Kailua 18-6 in the fourth quarter for the decisive win.
Karson Kruz led three players in double figures for Moanalua with 12 points. Dom Bailey added 11 and Eric Miyauchi had 10.
Noah Ah Yat paced Kailua with 11 points.
Kalaheo 59, Kaimuki 26
Kaleb Gilmore scored 18 points to lead the Mustangs over the Bulldogs.
Kapolei 51, Aiea 50
Abdel Kader-Zaine scored 13 points for the Hurricanes and Aiea missed a shot at the buzzer.
Leilehua 57, Mililani 40
Joseph Gouty scored a game-high 17 points as the Mules defeated the Trojans.
Waipahu 56, Nanakuli 48
Airon Castaneda and Jasper Sebastian each scored 10 points for the Marauders.
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