Kahuku advances, Iolani falls on Day 1 of Imua Invitational

Brian Bautista | SL

Kahuku parlayed its size advantage to good effect in a 55-48 win over Canyon View on the opening day of the Imua Invitational held at Kekuhaopio Gymnasium on the campus of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama.

A trio of Red Raiders hit double-digits in scoring, led by Tuisila Wily-Ava with 15. Makana Kamakeeaina added 12 points and Tailele Wily-Ava 10, accounting for 37 of the teams' total.

The Jaguars led 13-8 after the first quarter but the Raiders held a 17-12 edge in the second to tie the score at the half. From there Kahku outscored the visiting team 30-23 to take the win.

Canyon View was led by Jalia Flowers, who had a game-high 17 points and hit 9 of 12 free throws in the loss.

In earlier action, national power Mater Dei jumped out to an early lead en route to a 71-43 rout of Iolani.

Mater Dei led 21-9 after the first quarter and 40-17 at halftime.

The Monarchs got 19 points each from Addison Deal and Kaeli Wynn and Harmony Golightly added 15 more off the bench in the victory. Mater Dei hit eight three pointers as a team and hit 15 of 18 free throws.

Iolani was led by Justice Kekauoha with 15 points and Chelsea Lee with nine.

The defending state champion Raiders will face off with Maui in a 2:30p game on Friday. The Sabers lost to Maryknoll, 74-36.