A few thoughts on the Iolani Raiders' 68-32 victory over the Radford Rams at the James Alegre Gymnasium.

What it means: Usually these preseason games don't mean a whole lot – especially with it only being the first week of the season – but Iolani doesn't look like it's missing a beat despite losing Zach Buscher and Ikaika Phillip to graduation. Coach Dean Shimamoto told me after the game that the Raiders' success last year has really motivated everyone to put in the effort in the offseason. While the offseason work is evident in the stat sheet, you can see it in the player's bodies. As a whole the Raiders look noticeably thinner and quicker than they did last year. Teams that will play Iolani in the preseason better take note that the Raiders are well conditioned.

Stock watch: Up: swingman Robbie Mann. Mann was just a role player for the Raiders last season, making his presence felt on hustle plays and blocked shots with his great vertical jump. This year the 6-foot-1 junior has an expanded role and will probably be starting in most games. Against the Rams Mann scored a game-high 12 points on 6-for-7 shooting and added six rebounds.

#OneTeam: The Raiders' universal motto has probably been state countless times, but it rang true once again Friday night. There was little to no drop off for the Raiders when the second unit came in for the starters. Reserves Shane Lay, Bryson Hamada, Pikai Winchester and Kamu Borden all played big minutes for Iolani. Lay finished with seven points and eight (seven offensive) rebounds and Hamada did a great job running point for the second unit. Winchester knocked down a pair of 3-pointers and Borden had six rebounds and two blocked shots. The third-stringers were even also able to push the team's lead in the fourth quarter.

Telling stat: Iolani outrebounded Radford, 46-28. Coach Shimamoto said that they made rebounding a point in this game and it clearly showed. 25 of the Raiders' 46 rebounds were on the offensive glass. This ultimately led them to attempting twice as many field goal attempts as the Rams (66 to 33). 

What's next: The Raiders wrap up their appearance in the 16th annual James Alegre Invitational with a 4:30 p.m. tip with Moanalua Saturday.