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POSTED: Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Youth was served well for a quarter, but in the end, the sage, experienced crew of Moanalua was too much for Kaimuki.

Marcus Monroe pumped in 19 points as Na Menehune rallied from a 10-point deficit for a 59-43 win over the Bulldogs last night at Moanalua's gym.

Na Menehune, ranked No. 5 in the Star-Bulletin Boys Basketball Preseason Top 10, improved to 2-0 in league play (9-4 overall) with strength off the bench.

Reserve forwards Kevin Amaral (11 points) and Wesley Armbrust (seven points, six rebounds) were vital. Josiah Kauhola had five of his team's 10 steals; Moanalua's fullcourt press was a huge factor in a second-quarter turnaround.

“;It's the first time we fell behind early that much, but we kept our confidence,”; coach Greg Tacon said. “;Our bench gives us confidence and depth. They can maintain (a lead) or do more.”;

Tevin Nishiyama and Gabriel Stietzel paced Kaimuki (1-1, 6-8 overall) with 10 points each.

Moanalua shot just 4-for-16 in the first quarter, but was hot the rest of the way (20-for-31) and finished at 51 percent from the field. The press was often lethal.

“;We communicate real good,”; Monroe said. “;We know we can use the press against anybody. Coach said, 'You guys gotta pick it up.' We're out of it if another team controls the tempo.”;

Kaimuki shot fairly well—45 percent (15-for-33)—but was besieged by Moanalua's three-quarter defensive pressure. The visitors committed 23 turnovers. Moanalua also owned a 25-15 edge on the boards, including 14 offensive caroms.

Bulldogs coach Kelly Grant pointed to his team's continued improvement.

“;We didn't really come here with a game plan. We just wanted to feel them out. Moanalua's a good team,”; he said. “;They all play together, and the next guy can produce, so you're always looking over your shoulder.”;

Kaimuki could get a major boost with the return of Desmond Tautofi. The former Bulldog is attending school in Las Vegas while living with an older brother and will transfer back to Kaimuki when the semester there ends Jan. 15.

“;We saw him during Christmas break,”; Grant said. “;Once he comes back, he needs five practices and he can play. He's in pretty good shape.”;

At Moanalua gym

                                                                                                                                                           

Kaimuki (1-1)		16	5	13	9	—	43
Moanalua (2-0)		8	18	13	20	—	59

KAIMUKI—Ekolu Vares 0, Tevin Nishiyama 10, Nicholas Motellang 3, Mason Kualii-Moe 3, Jonn Kakitani 0, Elijah Morita 4, Johnny Tuitele 2, Gabriel Stietzel 10, Chester Sua 2, Sean Spencer 7
MOANALUA—Bronson Kepa 0, Reece Racoma 3, Kevin Amaral 11, Aaron Davis 0, Josiah Kauhola 7, Wesley Armbrust 7, Marcus Monroe 18, Dexter Williams 2, Marcus Keene 5, Carl Ko 2, Richard Villasenor 4.
3-point goals—Kaimuki 5 (Nishiyama 2, Stietzel 2, Kualii-Moe), Moanalua 3 (Racoma, Amaral, Kauhola).
Junior varsity—Moanalua 50, Kaimuki 37.

Kalaheo 43, McKinley 27

Aaron Fernandez finished with a game-high 22 points in the Mustangs' victory over the visiting Tigers. Fernandez was dialed in from long distance, hitting four three-pointers.

At Kalaheo gym

MCKINLEY—Jason Ramano 5, Jovanie Trumata 0, Micah Waters 1, Royce Kwon 0, Pryson Wallace 2, Kioco Melson 8, Lesley Machiguchi 3, Jason Sabado 0, Rio Kwon 7, Andy Sombatphivane 1, Fio Fifo 0, Ryan Arzadon 0.
KALAHEO—Michael Matalolo 0, Quincy Mason 0, Esaias Stagner 0, Kevin Leong 0, Shane Hipa 3, Derick Morgan 4, Zach Lovelace 2, Bryson Anoba 0, Edward Atanoa 0, Kona Makaula 6, Wilson Macleod 2, Aaron Fernandez 22, Jordan Reindollar 4, Anthony Rowan 0.
3-point goals—McKinley 3 (Ramano, Machiguchi, Rio Kwon). Kalaheo 4 (Fernandez 4).
Junior varsity—McKinley 49, Kalaheo 27

Campbell 42, Aiea 27

Kristian Manuel racked up 18 points for the Sabers, who crushed Na Alii in Aiea's first conference game of the season.

At Aiea gym

CAMPBELL—Kristian Manuel 18, Christian Storment 8, Fouina Haskins 0, Christopher Crawford , Maika Ulufale 0, Allan Otanes 2, Mason Mau 4, Timothy Friend 0, Rowel Urban 0, Carter Kauwenaole 0, C.J. Ramos 8, Clayton Darity 2, Brandon Todd 0.
AIEA—Kory Naeole 0, Chucky Kaahunui 3, Branden Abiva 0, Api Foumai 2, Freddy Taliulu 2 , Daniel Chambers 0, Keano Kuia 9, Dylan Dobson 0, Phillip Madriaga 0, Michael Hogan 4, Braxton Fukutomi 2, Colin Naito 5, Ilalio Sio 0, Lawrence Lagafuaina 0.
3-point goals—Campbell 6 (Manuel 5, Ramos). Aiea 3 (Kuia 3).
Junior varsity—Campbell 40, Aiea 18

Waipahu 50, Kapolei 44

Waipahu recorded its first win of the season as the Mauraders held on against the visiting Hurricanes. Anson Castello scored a game high 11 points for Waipahu. Jared Milare led Kapolei with 10 points.

At Waipahu gym

KAPOLEI—Michael Ching 0, Jordan Solidum 7, Jared Milare 10, West Mataafa 4, Gregory Ching 2, Kainoa Pakele 4, Samson Ching 0, Michael Medeiros 0, Kamry Nedd 4, Manson George 4, Kapua Awong 3, Devyn Knight 6.
WAIPAHU—Chance Delima 0, Jayvee Cadiente 3, Duketoa Tili 4, Anthony Agustin 1, Daniel Diomanpo 10, Michael Alipio 5, Eric Castro 3, Westley Nagaseu 3, Anson Castello 11, Perzie Calucag 0, Tatupu Tatupu10, Asalemo Fruen 0.
3-point goals—Kapolei none. Waipahu 1 (Castello).
Junior varsity—Kapolei 63, Waipahu 49

Kaiser 35, Farrington 30

The Cougars came up big in the fourth quarter with 15 points.

At Farrington gym

KAISER—Matthew Nagata 0, Davin Morton 0, Justin Wuich 4, Preston Wuich 5, Doug Gehring 5, Corey Lum 6, Bret Kanoa 2, Quinton Wong 1, Ronson Hill 12, Patrick 0.
FARRINGTON—Scottland Smith 0, Paul Soloman 1, Jayfrey Damo 11, Jeffrey Madarang 0, Bernard Deleon 2, Ernes Pucholong 4, Lancelot Williams 9, Ronald Williams 0, Viane Vaina 2, Justin Fele 2.
3-point goals—Kaiser 2 (Justin Wuich, Preston Wuich). Farrington 2 (Damo, Lancelot Williams).
Junior varsity—Farrington 39, Kaiser 35.

ILH VARSITY BOYS DIVISION II
Christian Academy 73, Lutheran 32
Hanalani 72, Maryknoll 45
'Iolani 60, Lanakila Baptist 43
Kamehameha 64, Hawaiian Mission 47
Leading scorers-CA: Axton Durand 22. LHS: Shaun Takahashi 13. Han: Darin Kamealoha 20. Mryk: K. McLain 14. Iol: Josh Seto 16, Taylor Kennedy 11. LBS: Micah Miranda 15, Chase Hazelwood 11. KS: Conner Henderson 17. HMA: Grant Kono 20, Ryan Asatani 12.

ILH VARSITY GIRLS DIVISION II
'Iolani 48, Christian Academy 22
Kamehameha 42, University 29
La Pietra 33, St. Andrew's 22
Punahou 45, Lutheran 32
Word of Life 65, Hanalani 56
Leading scorers-Iol: Aimee Taniguchi 11, Khaydan Gabriel 11. CA: Megan Winters 6. KS: Rachel Kaneakua 13, Lariss Ogawa 12. UHS: Anuhea Memea 8. LaP: Monique Smith 12, Salote Lopes-Liutolo 10. StA: Rebecca Kleinschmidt 5, Hayley Dixon 5. Pun: Stacey Lin 8, Hilary Nakaya 8. LHS: Kaleihiwa Ah New 8, Kamalei Ah New 8. WOL: Phoebe Fetu 15. Han: Samantha Hyde 15.