Swarming Warriors break Breakers

The new look is working well for Kamehameha.

Deploying a swarming half-court press, the Warriors brought energy from the start and ousted Laguna Beach (Calif.) 55-45 last night in the quarterfinals of Na Menehune/Reebok Holiday Classic.

Iolani drops tourney opener Tramar Sutherland scored 32 points to lead Henry Carr (Canada) to a 67-60 victory over Iolani in the Arby's Classic in Bristol, Tenn. Iolani got 14 points from Pablo Warner and 11 from Berton Wong in the loss.

Coach Jesse Nakanishi's Warriors will meet Maryknoll at 7:30 p.m. in a semifinal matchup at Moanalua High.

Pii Minns shot 5-for-5 from the field, but his disruptive defense was a big reason why Kamehameha never let the visiting Breakers catch any momentum. Minns, a 6-foot-2 junior, had two of his team's nine steals.

Auwae DeRego added 11 points, five rebounds and four assists for Kamehameha (9-2). The Warriors entered the tourney ranked No. 4 in the Star-Bulletin Boys Basketball Top 10.

The Warriors jumped to a 12-2 lead and never lost the advantage. A half-court trap, with the long-armed Minns at the top, gave the Breakers trouble. Junior guard Brandon Dumlao hit three open shots, including a trey, during the run.

"We came out nervous and tentative. We were not ready to play," Breakers coach Bret Fleming said. "(Kamehameha) came out real aggressive and we weren't getting the ball swung out of the trap. Kamehameha is a really good team."

DeRego and Minns learned the ropes as sophomores last season. Now, the Warriors have the skill and athleticism to dominate a game defensively.

"That's a good mainland team. Next week we start our ILH season, so this is good," DeRego said. "All our guys got to play."

Dumlao added nine points and six boards for the Warriors.

Kenny Sullivan, a 6-7 senior, and 6-3 Dylan Roley scored eight points each to lead Laguna Beach.

Sharpshooter Kevin Buck, struggling with an ankle injury from Wednesday's win over Punahou II, had just five points on 2-for-6 shooting.

Laguna Beach got within 16-10 on a free throw by Kenny Sullivan, but Nakanishi sent his starters back into the game and the Warriors went on a 17-6 run at the start of the second quarter. Minns hit a couple of 3-pointers to help Kamehameha seize a 33-16 lead before halftime.

The Warriors extended the lead to 20 in the third quarter, only to have the visitors chisel it away.

Three foul shots by Marcus Hairston and a drive for a layup by Ryan Lawler brought Laguna Beach within 44-34 with 6:15 to play.

The Breakers got no closer, missing four of their five 3-point tries in the final 6 minutes.

OTHER QUARTERFINAL GAMES

Maryknoll 50, University 42

In quarterfinal play, Richard Herring scored 18 points, including three treys, for the Spartans. Bryan McGuinness led the Junior 'Bows (7-6) with nine points.

No. 9 Moanalua 75, Campbell 62

Four Na Menehune players scored in double figures against the Sabers. Ryan Hua finished with 15 points, and Stevie Austin had 14 while directing Moanalua's fast break.

Joseph Atimua and Mike Makinano each scored 24 points for Campbell.

No. 8 Mid-Pacific 54, Kaimuki 42, OT

Devon Takenaka scored 17 points as the Owls took command in the extra period.

Ryan Kurihara tallied 12 points on four treys, and Marcus Holyfield added 11.

Desmond Tautofi had 13 points to pace the Bulldogs.

CONSOLATION GAMES

Kapolei 61, Castle 59, 2 OT

D'Shaun Dubois had 17 points to lead the Hurricanes. Jordan Ferreira added 11.

Nick Tuamoheloa scored 21 points and Michael Santos added 10 for the Knights.

Carlmont (Calif.) 57, Iolani II 28

Dan Figone scored 16 points to pace the Scots.

Kevin Serai led the Raiders with 10.

Kauai 55, Punahou II 49

Basil Walton poured in 21 points for visiting Kauai and Travis Stine added 13 for the Red Raiders.

Jeremy Kaimikaua scored 11 for the Buffanblu.

Radford 63, Waianae 59, OT

Quentin Kimura led the Rams with 17 points.

Abdullah Morris had 15 points for the Seariders.