Kamehameha is faced with problems because of ‘Iolani’s larger lineup

Jan. 15—Hailey Anne Ohta scored nine points of her 11 in the second quarter, as No. 3-ranked ‘Iolani stymied No. 8 Kamehameha 43-26 on Saturday at Kekuhaupio Gymnasium.

Hailey-Anne Ohta scored nine of her 11 points in the second quarter as No. 3-ranked ‘Iolani stymied No. 8 Kamehameha 43-26 on Saturday at Kekuhaupio Gymnasium.

Paige Oh scored 10 points. Center Mele Sake added nine points, seven rebounds and three steals as the Raiders made use of their size and halfcourt execution to win another game. ‘Iolani’ improved to 8-1 in ILH (17-7 overall).

Kya Kanoho, Nihoa Duncan led Kamehameha (16-10 4-6 ) with seven each. Dunn, a 6-foot-1 freshman, had a game-high of 10 rebounds. Pua Straight’s team was patient and meticulous against ‘Iolani’s defensive man-to -man. The Warriors were able to stay within striking distance for a while but shot just 8-for-34 (24%) from the field.

“They’re dangerous. I warned the girls that every error you make in defense, every play you make, could result in injury, ” Dean Young, ‘Iolani coach, said. “There’s no time for rest or lack of focus. Or they will hurt you.

‘Iolani shot better, going 14-for-34 (41%)). The Raiders have seen more young players, like Mia Frye or Keiki McGee, since Abby Tanaka, starting guard, was injured in her knee three weeks ago. Frye scored 20 points against Damien in Friday’s 64-38 victory. Ohta stated that this will only improve our chemistry.

Sake, who is 6’1″ tall, and Callie Pieper, 6’1″, are starting to join together the reconstruction of ‘Iolani’s offense.

“We’re doing that with a completely different product on the court. Young explained that we have never had a 6-footer or two 6-footers. “To evolve with putting them both on the court while still getting production, good spacing, attacking, and our motions. It’s quite pleasing and still in development. I hope it can get better.”

The Raiders opened the game with a 7-1 run and never lost their lead. Ohta made three 3-pointers in quarter two to increase ‘Iolani’s lead to 21-13 at intermission.

Pieper stole the ball in the third quarter and scored on Oh’s pass. With 4:54 remaining in the third stanza, the visitors had a lead of 30-15 after Sake’s three-point play and Oh scoring on a strong drive.

With 1:37 remaining, Oh had made two free throws and ‘Iolani held its biggest lead of 42-23.

The regular season will be closed by ‘Iolani with home games against Maryknoll on Wednesday and Punahou on Friday.

Kamehameha will be playing on the road against Damien and Maryknoll (Monday)

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