Noah Sua-Godinet puts up a jump shot against Pearl City. Peter Caldwell | SL

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Noah Sua-Godinet puts up a jump shot against Pearl City. Peter Caldwell | SL

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Kamehameha's defensive pressure helped fuel a second half rally, as the Warriors inched past Pearl City to advance to the championship game of the James Alegre Basketball Invitational at Radford.

In the beginning of the game, both teams had trouble shooting the ball and were tied at 9 at the end of the first quarter. Pearl City's guards were aggressive and converted steals into points in transition.

"When they were bringing the ball down we had to make some adjustments with who was our trap man. Our rotations were all off and everyone was confused in the first half." said Kamehameha head coach Julian Nakanishi. "Give them [Pearl City] credit, they were taking care of the ball, making good decisions and scoring off of the press."

The Chargers led at halftime 22-18.

In the second half, Kamehameha turned up the defensive pressure and stifled Pearl City, using an array of full court presses and half court traps, holding the Chargers to just 2 points in the entire third quarter while scoring 15.

"That's our game, we like to play the full court game and getting points off turnovers, the third quarter helped us out a lot, holding them to 2 points and getting ourselves in the break" said Nakanishi.

Late in the fourth quarter, Pearl City was able to cut the lead to 10 at 39-29, but the Warriors weathered the run and put the game away.

Kamehameha played without guard Makoa Camanse-Stevens, who was nursing a sprained ankle. Makana Harrison led the Warriors with 11 points, including 1 three pointer.

"We're down two guys with injuries." said Nakanishi. "He (Harrison) did a good job stepping up and hitting outside jumpers and trying to expand his game. I'm glad to see him hit a couple today."

Following the Alegre Invitational, Kamehameha will continue its preseason schedule with appearances in the 'Iolani Classic, Moanalua Na Menehune Classic and a trip to the Mainland. Coach Nakanishi feels these tournaments are a good time to get players experience and to test out rotations.

Reymart Rosario led the Chargers with 10 points.

Kamehameha will play Moanalua, a 50-45 winner over Punahou on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. For the Alegre Invitational title. Pearl City will take on Punahou at Noon in the third place game.