HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
Punahou vaults to the top after 2 wins over Iolani
When Punahou toppled then-No. 1 Iolani for the second time in three days, the Buffanblu laid to rest any doubts about their ability and poise.
A 46-40 win over the tough Raiders gave Punahou the Interscholastic League of Honolulu title and a state-tournament berth. The Buffanblu did it with the most basic of ingredients.
The Buffanblu made their free throws. Iolani did not.
Punahou committed only eight turnovers.
But perhaps most intriguing, more than coach Mike Taylor's personnel switch of Ciana Aiwohi into the starting lineup, was his directive to the team.
"Coach said, 'Have fun and play basketball,' " said Shawna-Lei Kuehu, who dominated both ends of the floor with 28 points, 15 rebounds and no turnovers.
Punahou's turnaround -- just 10 days ago, the Buffanblu lost to Kamehameha -- is remarkable. Aside from adjustments on the court, they made a change internally.
"We just had a determination to succeed," Taylor said. "I've just wanted them to keep fighting, to never get down on themselves."
Iolani's back-to-back losses weren't the only surprise of the week. Hilo, which has dipped into the Top 10 on different occasions, is back in at No. 9 after a shocking upset at Honokaa.
Freshman Vicky Tagalicod continues to impress. The 5-foot-9 swingman pumped in 25 points, but perhaps more impressively, the Lady Viks held Honokaa's Keisha Kanekoa to just 10 points.
Hilo will need another superlative effort this Friday. A win over Konawaena will give Hilo a state-tourney berth. Konawaena, however, is playing the most consistent basketball in the BIIF. The 2004 state champions saw their 61-game win streak in league play end two weeks ago, but the BIIF tourney title game against Hilo will be played on a neutral floor (Keaau).