Iolani grinds out win over Maryknoll to secure final ILH berth in states

Greg Yamamoto | SL

For the first time since 2022, the Raiders are dancing in the state postseason.

Declan Beckette hit what would ultimately be a game-clnching three pointer with just over a minute in regulation to lift Iolani to a 43-41 win over Maryknoll in a win-or-go-home one-game playoff for the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's final berth into the Hawaii Army National Guard/HHSAA Division I Boys Basketball State Championships.

Maryknoll had two chances for force overtime in the waning seconds, but a layup attempt under the basket by Mission Uperesa-Thomas and a follow by Chris Du both fell short as time expired.

Beckette had 15 points and Ayden Goo added 10 to lead the Raiders, who also made 6 of 7 free throws attempts.

The Spartans got a game-high 18 from Uperesa-Thomas in the season-ending loss.

Iolani will travel to the Big Island to face off with Kamehameha-Hawaii on Monday, Feb 9, while fellow ILH represenative Saint Louis hosts Leilehua on that same day. League champion and tournament top seed Punahou will face the winner of Kekaulike and Mililani in the quarterfinals.