Kahuku rumbles past Konawaena, 72-40

CJ Caraang | SL

SALT LAKE – Hirkley Latu scored a game-high 17 points and Kahuku routed Konawaena, 72-40, in the opening round of the OC16 Division I state boys' basketball tournament Wednesday night at Moanalua gym.

The Red Raiders (10-6) will play second-seeded and defending state champion Kalaheo in a 7 p.m. Thursday quarterfinal at Moanalua. Kalaheo beat Kahuku, 49-37, during the regular season, but lost to the Red Raiders in preseason, 53-49, in the Punahou tournament.

After a close first quarter that saw Kahuku take an 11-10 lead, the Wildcats opened the second period with a 10-2 run, only to see the Red Raiders close the half with a 14-0 run to take a 29-22 lead into the break.

The Red Raiders then closed the third period with a 15-2 run to take a 53-33 lead into the final quarter. Kahuku continued its dominance in the fourth to win by a 32-point margin.

The Akina brothers – Keanu and Kawika – combined for 24 points for the Red Raiders. Keanu had 13 points and Kawika had 11. Keanu had three 3-pointers and Kawika added two.

Austin Aukai led the Wildcats with 11 points, including one of his team's two 3-pointers.