Entering their Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West matchup against Leilehua last night, the Campbell basketball team had a lot of potential distractions swirling about.

On the court, the Sabers were looking to rebound from a disappointing 11-point loss to Mililani last week that knocked them from the league's unbeaten ranks. Off the court, the team was reeling from the sudden departure of head coach Zaricke Jackson, who made an impromptu flight back home to the mainland early yesterday morning due to a dire family medical emergency.

In spite of it all, the Sabers (12-4) put together a strong team effort to defeat the host Mules 63-36 and improve to 7-1 in league play to take a half-game lead over Radford (6-1).

“;We knew that Leilehua was a strong penetrating team that plays good team ball, so we had to come in ready to play,”; said Campbell assistant Arturo Morales, who is serving as the team's head coach in the interim. “;We have a great bunch of kids—obviously our thoughts are with Coach Jackson and we played some inspired ball tonight.”;

Senior standouts Zachery Manuel and Patrick Ward led the Sabers out of the gates, accounting for all but two of their team's points in the first quarter as Campbell took a 20-11 lead. On the opening tip, Ward directed the ball upcourt to Manuel, who streaked downcourt for a quick layup for the first points of the game.

A pair of free throws by Ward, a 3-pointer by Manuel and back-to-back close-range buckets by Ward sandwiched a Kristian Manuel basket to put Campbell up 13-9 early in the contest. The Sabers closed the period with seven more points from the veteran pair to take the early nine-point lead.

“;They are our leaders out there,”; said Morales. “;Patrick is our vocal leader and our presence in the post and Zach brings our energy to the floor in the backcourt. We rely on them to provide leadership and they have been a big part of our maturation during the season.”;

With Ward out for much of the second quarter with three fouls, the Sabers turned to Manuel, who kept his team's transition game moving at a high-octane level without their top post player on the court. Manuel finished the first half with 12 points as Campbell extended its advantage to 33-20 before the half.

Ward re-entered the game in the second half and sparked the Sabers with his playmaking ability. With a high foul count, Ward spent most of the half playing away from the basket, adding five assists to his eight rebounds.

“;He (Manuel) can obviously take the game over at any time,”; Morales said. “;He is physically superior and is a natural ballplayer, so he can do a lot of things out there. We know big men will get into foul trouble sometimes, and it's nice that we can count on Zach to keep us going.”;

As they often do, the undersized Mules spread the floor on the offensive end to open driving lanes and 3-point opportunities. Senior guard Hoku Kama provided the biggest spark for the Mules, finishing with 13 points in the loss. Sophomore forward Xavier Ager also put forth a good effort, 11 points, including seven in the second half.

“;First of all, our hearts go out to Zaricke and his family,”; said longtime Mules boss Keith Spencer. “;He has to take care of his family and we wish him the best. His team came out tonight and played like one of the best teams in the West tonight, which they are. Our strength this season has been our team defense and tonight they were able to exploit it. Because we're small, we have to do different things to try and create opportunities, and tonight the shots just didn't fall for us.”;

Kapolei 57, No. 7 Mililani 54

Austin Gaskin scored 10 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter as the Hurricanes held on to upset the visiting Trojans.

Kapolei's Jordan Ferreira finished with a game-high 19 points.

Daniel Paglinawan scored 14 points for Mililani in a disappointing loss.

Waipahu 45, Aiea 42

After four closely played quarters, the Marauders escaped Na Alii for their first win of the season.

Waipahu's Kendall Tomas scored a game-high 18 points.

Zach Hannemann led Aiea with 12 points.

OIA RED EAST

No. 2 Kahuku 68, Kaiser 38

The Red Raiders outscored the visiting Cougars 37-9 in the first half to cruise to a 30-point victory.

Twelve Kahuku players scored in the romp, led by Jray Galeai and Nehoa Akina with 14 points apiece.

No. 6 Kaimuki 57, No. 5 Kalaheo 43

The Bulldogs put forth a solid effort for four quarters and the Mustangs could not overcome scoring droughts in the second and third quarters as Kaimuki strolled past Kalaheo.

David Taulung, Desmond Tautofi and Ryan Kakitani nearly outscored the entire Kalaheo squad, combining for 42 points. Taulung finished with 15 points, Tautofi with 14 and Kakitani with 13.

Christian Kepa scored a team-high 13 for Kalaheo.

Farrington 39, No. 9 Moanalua 30

The visiting Governors shot 9-for-11 from the line in the fourth quarter to upset Na Menehune.

Moanalua managed only two field goals in the final 8 minutes.

James Smith and J.P. Saycon scored eight points apiece to lead Farrington.

OIA WHITE

Waianae 45, Pearl City 30

Knotted at 25 points apiece after the third quarter, the Seariders went on a 20-5 fourth-quarter run to defeat the Chargers.

Danny Kekoanui scored seven of his game-high 13 points in the deciding frame to lead Waianae.

Kailua 59, Castle 45

The Surfriders outscored the Knights 37-21 in the first half for a comfortable second-half lead en route to a double-digit victory.

Kailua's Ali'i Kiama shot 9-for-14 from the field for a team-high 18 points. Michael Santos led Castle with 18 points.

Roosevelt 53, Kalani 35

Matthew Moe and Lowen Kahooilihala combined for 20 points in the second half to fuel the Rough Riders on an otherwise off night, helping Roosevelt past the Falcons despite a tight first half.

Moe finished with a game-high 14 points.

TUESDAY'S LATE GAMES

No. 3 Kamehameha 56, Damien 34

Nanakuli 42, Waialua 12