Boys Notch Vital 46-37 Win Over Crusaders
by Al Linsky
This was a crucial game for both teams. Losing a close game to the Warriors, then losing to the Puns in a not close game had the fans wondering if the once high flying Raiders could regain some altitude.
The Crusaders, having lost three already, needed this game to get back in the hunt for a state championship berth.
The Crusaders were a good test for the Raiders as they have played some very good basketball at times this season, having a large lead on Punahou at one time.
The first quarter did not go well as the sluggishness in the recent Raider losses was still evident. The Crusaders took advantage and moved to a 13-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.
A timeout and a change in defense to man-to-man then lit a fire under the Raiders. It was noticeable in their feet as they aggressively went after the bigger, stronger Crusaders.
By the half, the Raiders had cut down the lead to two, 24-22.
'Iolani's full court pressure continued to pay dividends. At 7:00 of the third quarter, the Raiders took their first lead at 25-24. The Raiders kept pressing and expanded the lead to 38-32 by the end of the third.
The Crusaders tried to rally, but the Raiders went into a semi-slowdown which ate up the clock and opened up scoring opportunities that allowed them to finish out the game at 46-37.
The Crusaders were led by Micah McClinton with 11, Jamison Miller 8, Lucas Gonsalves 4, Dean Viena 4, Cole Shidaki 4 and Marcus Umu with 2.
The Raiders had more balanced scoring than in recent outings with Taylor Mounts and Pablo Warner both netting 13, Trevyn Tulonghari and Jarrett Arakawa 5, Kela Marciel and Bricen McCartney 3, and Nick Christman and Andrew Skalman 2.
The large crowd was treated to a great show by the 'Iolani Dancers and the Raider Cheerleaders at halftime.
To see more photos, please visit iolani-events.org.
Varsity IAA Boys Basketball Loses by Nine
by Al Linsky
This was the last home game for the Varsity IAA team. In the first two quarters, neither team shot well.
The Crusaders made some nice steals which allowed them to take a 5-1 lead at the end of the first quarter, and 13-8 at the half.
Shooting percentages were poor for both teams, somewhere around 20%.
The second half saw the Raiders raise their intensity but it wasn't enough. It was 41-30 at the end as the Crusaders held their lead for the whole game.
To see more photos, please visit iolani-events.org.
