Round One Goes To Buff N Blue
by Al Linsky
Now that twins Shawna-Lei and Shaena-Lyn Kuehu are back, Punahou is going to be tough to beat.
Last year the Puns had to adjust to losing these superb players. They not only adjusted, they became a very good team by the end of the season almost pulling off a State Championship.
That experience deepened the Puns greatly and now that the twins are back, LOOK OUT ILH!
The number 2 ranked Raiders came out hard but quickly dug themselves into a hole as their outside shooting wasn't hitting. It was 14-6 at the end of the first quarter for the number 1 ranked Puns. By 5:42 of the second quarter, the lead had expanded to 11 at 17-6. It was 25-16 at the half and the Raiders hurried to the break to figure out what they could do against the solid Punahou play.
By the end of the third the Puns were in firm control at 40-25 and the Raiders were reeling. From those depths, the Raiders started to come back led by star center, Jamie Smith. Jamie scored a quick 10 to cut into the lead with it getting down to 4 points with 1:41 to go. The Puns then tightened their defense holding the Raiders scoreless the rest of the way. Final score, 48-38.
Jamie ended up with 27 points and 15 rebounds but it wasn't enough as the Puns got big scoring production from Rebecca Lau (11), Shawna-Lei (15) and Tressa Torres (8).
These two fine teams meet next at Iolani gym on January 12, 7:30pm.
To see more photos, please visit iolani-events.org.
