‘Iolani has been hungry for a state championship treat since 2006.
A 55-44 win over Kahuku (19-11) last night brought the top-seeded Raiders one step closer. Kahuku offered some food for thought along the way, lining up in a 1-3-1 zone that ‘Iolani out of its normal rhythm.
“It changed the tempo. It got slower and allowed them to execute their offense a little better,” ‘Iolani coach Dean Shimamoto said.
“For the most part, we did a good job attacking it,” Raiders guard Kainoa Chu added. “Even if our shots weren’t falling. We always say it starts with defense. We got steals.”
That man-to-man defense accomplished two herculean tasks: limit Kahuku gunner Nehoa Akina and outrebound the big Red Raiders. Akina finished with just 11 points and ‘Iolani had a 35-23 edge on the boards.
Paul Honda, Star-Bulletin
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