DI Kamehameha vs Kahuku DII Castle vs Kailua HHSAA Basketball Championship Game

Red Raiders blow lead, but hold off ‘Iolani in 56-53 semifinal thriller

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

In typical thrilling fashion capped by another frantic finish, Kahuku held off ‘Iolani, 56-53, last night to advance to today’s Hawaiian Airlines/Hawai’i High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball Championship game.

An energized crowd of 3,003 at Blaisdell Arena watched the Red Raiders blow an 11-point lead in the final four minutes, only to take it back on Nehoa Akina’s 3-pointer from the left corner with 13 seconds remaining. Kahuku then nervously held on as ‘Iolani failed to convert on its final two possessions.

The Red Raiders improved to 19-1 in the regular and postseason and will face Kamehameha (13-1) at 7 p.m. at Blaisdell for the title.

The game will be televised live statewide on OC16.

“We’re grateful to be able to stay in it through all of this,” said Akina, a 5-foot-8 junior who scored a game-high 19 points — including five 3s — last night. “Our first goal was to win the (O’ahu Interscholastic Association) East (Division), then our next goal was to win the OIA. Our last goal is to win states, and this is our last stop, we’re almost there.”

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Kamehameha survives
By Jason Kaneshiro
Honolulu Star Bulletin

Getting there may have been the hardest part.

Kamehameha earned a shot at ending its state championship drought last night, but not before enduring four quarters and three overtime periods in a 63-57 victory over Kaimuki in an epic Hawaiian Airlines/HHSAA Division I boys basketball tournament semifinal last night at Blaisdell Arena.

The top-seeded Warriors will have to muster another burst of energy tonight after surviving a game that stretched 2 hours, 40 minutes and featured clutch shots on both sides, momentum swinging turnovers, injuries and even a bit of controversy.

Just how much the Warriors have left in the tank will be determined when they return to Blaisdell tonight in the program’s first championship game appearance since 1994.

“When it comes down to these kinds of games, adrenaline will take over,” Kamehameha coach Jesse Nakanishi said. “I’m not too worried about it. We’ll get them home right away, get some fluids and get some sleep.”

The Warriors — led by sophomore forward Micah Christenson’s 26 points — overcame a gritty performance by Kaimuki to advance to the final.

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Christenson scores 26 as Warriors outlast Kaimuki in 3 OTs
By Kalani Takase
Advertiser Staff Writer

Top-ranked Kamehameha will seek its first boys basketball state title since 1992 after sophomore forward Micah Christenson scored a game-high 26 points to lead the Warriors to a 63-57 triple-overtime semifinal win over Kaimuki yesterday at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena.

Kamehameha, the tournament’s top seed, improved to 13-1 and will meet second-seeded Kahuku tonight in the Division I championship game.

Kaimuki, ranked fourth in The Advertiser’s Top 10 poll, fell to 15-6 and will play ‘Iolani for third.

Tonight’s championship final will be aired live statewide on OC-16 at 7 p.m.

“It’s been a while since being in (the title game),” Warriors coach Jesse Nakanishi said. “Our boys have worked so hard every day in practice, so I’m really proud that they’ll have this opportunity — just to play in the (championship) game is a thrill.” 

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