Moanalua's Ola Brown attempts to drive past Kailua's Kekoa Ford. Peter Caldwell | SL

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Moanalua's Ola Brown attempts to drive past Kailua's Kekoa Ford. Peter Caldwell | SL

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After a slow start, Moanaluaʻs defense took over, and Na Menehune pulled away from Kailua for a 42-30 win in an OIA contest played at the Surfriders gym.

Down 11-4 early, Moanalua pulled to within one at 11-10 after one quarter and took the lead for good by halftime at 18-15.

Led by Kahanu Puʻulei-Auld with 18 points and Ola Brown with 14, Na Menehune extended their lead in the second half as Kailua found the going difficult on the offensive end.

For Kailua, Kirk Ronolo Jr. finished with 10 points and Kekoa Ford had 5.

" I was really proud of our defensive effort which helped us create turnovers and control the game," commented Moanalua Coach Greg Tacon. "We got a lot of good shots and started converting them after awhile."

Moanalua improved to 2-1 in OIA play while Kailua fell to 1-2.

Next up for Na Menehune is another road game at McKinley on the 11th. Kailua travels to Kaimuki to take on the Bulldogs on Friday.