Utah Prep overpowers Kahuku to advance into Iolani quarters

Brian Bautista | SL

Utah Prep got 41 combined points from AJ Dybantsa and JJ Mandaquit in a 107-50 rout of Kahuku in the opening round of the Iolani Classic.

Mandaquit, the former Raiders' standout who departed for the mainland after his freshman season, had 20 points in the contest. He hit four triples and a number of dunks, and hit both of his free throw attempts to boot.

BYU bound Dybantsa led all scorers with 21 points, and wowed the crowd with high flying antics on both sides of the floor.

Another former Hawaii prep player, Layden Kauka, came on as a reserve and scored a basket in what was his first ever apperance at the Classic. Kauka, led Kohala to consecutive state titles before departing for Utah Prep this past season.

Utha Prep was halfway to the century mark at halftime and 77-23 after three quarters, but Kahuku kept pace on the scoreboard in the final quarter, putting up 27 points to Utah Prep's 30.

Ronin Naihe had 20 points and Kashus Daley had 12 more for the Red Raiders, and the pair collectively had five three-pointers. Justus Daley had a pair of threes of his own, Mystique Akina-Watson scored eight points and Benson Goo four to accoount for Kahuku's scoring.

Utah Prep hit 15 of 17 free throws from the line and knocked down 14 three-point baskets, four each from Mandaquit and John Southwick.

Five players reached double figures for Utah Prep and every player who checked into the contest contributed at least two points.

In the last game of the opening round at Iolani, Brewster Academy also cracked the century mark while holding Kapaa under 20 points. The final score was 100-19.

Ater Bol Meen had 22 points, Preston Fowler 18, Sebastian Wilkins 16 and Nnadalu Noble 12 for the Bobcats, who hail from Wolfeboro, NH.

The Warriors were led by Austin Green, who had six points and was a perfect 4 for 4 from the free throw line.