‘Iolani reaches final
POSTED: Tuesday, December 30, 2008
They're not bigger, but the 'Iolani Raiders are usually better.
Outrebounded by Kaimuki, the Raiders shot 6-for-13 from the 3-point line and forced 12 first-half turnovers for a 63-55 win last night in the semifinals of Na Menehune Reebok Holiday Classic.
The Raiders overcame a monster game by Desmond Tautofi, who led Kaimuki with 20 points and 20 rebounds. David Taulung added 18 points.
'Iolani, ranked No. 3 in the Star-Bulletin Boys Basketball Preseason Top 10, faces Menlo-Atherton (Calif.) in tonight's final at Moanalua High School.
Pablo Warner finished with 19 points to lead 'Iolani, which trailed 8-3 after a pair of quick treys by Kaimuki's Ekolu Vares. Out of a halfcourt press, the Raiders' second team stepped in and forced a rash of Kaimuki turnovers to go on a 14-0 run.
The Bulldogs were within 17-15 after a layup by Tautofi, but got no closer. 'Iolani's execution—crisp, quick passing—offset Kaimuki's matchup zone and the Raiders led 35-21 at halftime.
Kaimuki got within 54-44 on a 3-pointer by Tevin Nishiyama with 3 minutes left, but 'Iolani sealed the win with nine fourth-quarter free throws.
“;Their speed and their bench were tough,”; Tautofi said.
Kaimuki is No. 6 in the preseason Top 10.
“;They're well-disciplined,”; Taulung added. “;We're getting there. We just gotta work hard.”;
Kainoa Chu scored 13 points and Trevyn Tulonghari added 11 for 'Iolani, which shot 50 percent from the field (22-for-44), including 6-for-13 from the arc.
“;We came out pretty good and the second unit came out with great intensity and tempo,”; Warner said. “;That influenced the rest of the game.”;
Kaimuki outboarded 'Iolani 29-18, but shot just 28 percent (7-for-25) from the 3-point line.
Menlo-Atherton (Calif.) 47, Moanalua 41
In the early semifinal, Reed Foster scored 14 points as the visitors held off Na Menehune in the final minute.
Menlo-Atherton rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit to take a 43-41 lead with a minute left, but missed free throws (1-for-5) down the stretch to give the host team opportunities. Moanalua had two turnovers and two missed shots.
Marcus Monroe led Moanalua, ranked No. 9 in the Star-Bulletin Top 10, with 18 points.
“;Moanalua was playing at the top of their game and we weren't. Once we settled down and executed, no way they can beat us,”; Menlo-Atherton assistant head coach Robert Relierford said.