BOYS DIVISION I -- RADFORD BRACKET
Warriors squeak by Raiders
Their general sent the troops in en masse, and the Kamehameha Warriors eventually wore out Kahuku in a 62-57 thriller last night at James Alegre Gym.
Kamehameha (23-6) rallied from a 43-34 deficit to advance into the Division I quarterfinals of the Hawaiian Airlines/HHSAA Boys Basketball State Championships. The Warriors will play Big Island champion Konawaena at 6 p.m. today at Alegre.
"We're fortunate that (Jray) Galeai sprained his ankle," Kamehameha coach Jesse Nakanishi said, referring to the early third-quarter injury to Kahuku's hot-shooting guard.
"They were still tough without him. It's survive and advance. We're very fortunate."
Galeai and Willie Ching led Kahuku (16-7) with 11 points each. Galeai's NBA-range bombs -- three in a row during the second quarter -- busted Kamehameha's 2-3 zone and gave the Red Raiders a 28-20 lead.
The uptempo pace had Nakanishi subbing three to four players into the game as Kahuku's turnovers mounted against Kamehameha's fullcourt press.
Down nine, the Warriors went on an 18-6 run to take a 52-49 lead with 5:56 to play. Brandon Dumlao's three-point play over Kahuku's big men gave Kamehameha the lead for good.
Kahuku pulled within 58-57 with 46 seconds left on Ching's layup, but he missed the ensuing free-throw attempt.
Kawika Lyons swished his two foul shots with 24 seconds left, and Viena came up with a steal on Kahuku's pass into the low post with 8 seconds left.
With 4 seconds left, Auwae DeRego put the game out of reach with two free throws.
Punahou 65, Lahainaluna 32
The Buffanblu forced the flu-stricken Lunas into 26 turnovers en route to the rout.
The Buffanblu will meet Oahu Interscholastic Association champion Mililani tonight at Alegre.
Punahou (21-4), the runner-up from the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, got 14 points from point guard Robbie Toma and 12 from Kameron Steinhoff.
John Craig had 18 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks and five steals to lead Lahainaluna.
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