Moanalua's Kyrie McRaven puts up a shot in the paint against McKinley. McRaven led all players with 26 points to help Na Menehune claim a Division I state tourney berth. Peter Caldwell | SL

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Moanalua's Kyrie McRaven puts up a shot in the paint against McKinley. McRaven led all players with 26 points to help Na Menehune claim a Division I state tourney berth. Peter Caldwell | SL

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It wasnʻt easy but Moanalua claimed their States berth, rallying in the fourth quarter to overtake McKinley, 70-65, in a contest played at the winnerʻs gym.

Off to a slow start, the Menes trailed 15-14 after the first quarter, and things went downhill from there as the home team got in early foul trouble. Led by Huth Abdel-Jawed, who finished with 17 points, the Tigers shot the ball well and went in at halftime with a 35-27 lead.

Coming out a different team in the second half, Na Menehune turned up the defensive heat and narrowed the margin. However Coach Duane Omoriʻs team continued to make plays and started the final stanza back up by 5 points. Late in the fourth quarter, Moanalua finally caught the Tigers and gained control down the stretch. Freshman point guard Dominick Bailey was instrumental in the final few minutes, and the Tigers turned the ball over several times against Moanaluaʻs late press.

Still they got within in three at 63-60 on Abdel-Jawadʻs trey, but then were forced to foul with Eric Miyauchi converting six free throws to put away the win.

Kyrie McRaven had another big game ending up with 26 points and a dominating board game. The Tigers were without center Nelson Pita, and guard Dan Villejo picked up four fouls, missing some of the action in the second half.

Moanaluaʻs Coach Byron Mello: "I was proud of the way we dug down and made plays when we needed to. We showed poise and maturity against a really tough team especially after a poor first half."

Next up for Na Menehune will be Campbell on Thursday in a match up for seeding in the State tourney. A win for Moanalua would likely bring them back home to play in their own gym in a first round game.