In Bobby Nash's final game as a big man, he was, indeed, the big man. Nash delivers once more
before moving on upBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comNash, a 6-foot-6 post player at Iolani who will move to wing or shooting guard at the University of Hawaii next year, led the Raiders with 15 points, six rebounds and a blocked shot as the Raiders won their second consecutive state championship, last night at Blaisdell Arena.
Nash scored 10 of his points in a third quarter in which Iolani took complete control on its way to a 61-37 victory.
In Nash's four years on the Iolani varsity, the Raiders won two state championships and were runners-up in a third.
"He had a great career, and he's definitely a Division I player," St. Louis coach Delbert Tengan said.
Nash has performed under a microscope, because he is the son of former UH star and NBA player Bob Nash, who is now an assistant coach for the Rainbows.
Bob Nash hadn't returned from UH's road trip last night, but his wife and Bobby's mother, Domelynne, saw Bobby complete his high school career.
"I'm so relieved. I think he actually had fun tonight," said Domelynne, who rebounds for Bobby when he works on his shooting while Bob is on the road.
Bobby Nash said he looks forward to playing away from the basket more in college.
"I just did what I could tonight," he said. "I'm excited about playing with my dad and Coach (Riley) Wallace."
Like father, like son: Jack Gayle of Honolulu made a shot from halfcourt at halftime, winning $10,000 in scholarship money for his son, Michael Gayle, who played for Kalaheo last year and now goes to Walla Walla College in Washington.
Gayle's name was picked to take the shot after he entered the contest on the Hawaii Sports Network Web site.
Quit stalling: Those who want a shot clock in high school basketball got ammunition for their case for the second night in a row.
Iolani stalled during its semifinal victory against Maui on Friday, but the payoff was a tremendous dunk by Low after the court was spread.
Early in the fourth quarter last night, Iolani went into a four-corners slowdown offense earlier than suited many of the 4,741 in attendance, and they let Mugiishi know with a continuous chorus of booing.
Interestingly, the last time Saint Louis won the state tournament, in 1986, the Crusaders beat Maryknoll 37-31 in the final, using a slow-tempo offense featuring the dribbling mastery of Billy Schulte.
Doubling up: Iolani became the eighth team to win two consecutive Hawaii state championships.