Ethan Kunz scored a game-high 13 points in Kailua's win over Moanalua. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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Ethan Kunz scored a game-high 13 points in Kailua's win over Moanalua. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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SALT LAKE—Kailua turned their defense into offense and pounced early on Moanalua to win, 56-29, in a Oahu Interscholastic Association East opener for both teams at Na Menehune's gymnasium Thursday.

Three Surfrider (1-0) starters scored in double figures led by Ethan Kunz, who had a team-high 13 points, followed by Reece Matsukawa with 12 and Noa Donnelly with 10.

"Reece had a great game. He controlled the ball well, penetrated well, and hit some threes." Kailua coach Wally Marciel said of Matsukawa.

Roscoe Eddins may have only scored six points but he facilitated the offense with four assists and sparked the defense with five steals.

"He's been waiting a long time to get onto the floor. He's our key guy and leader of our team. He's like a coach on the court," Marciel said.

Japheth Lilo provided the hustle and finished with six boards.

Kailua jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter following Matsukawa's 3-pointer to force a timeout from Moanalua. Donnelly had a putback and Matsukawa drained another three to make it, 12-0.

Trey Lanier got Moanalua (0-1) on the scoreboard with a tip in and Skylar Miyasato made the basket and was fouled for their second made field goal of the quarter as the Surfriders took a 17-4 lead going into the second quarter.

"We were able to finish and our press did really well. We came out with a new press this year and the boys are adapting to it very well," Marciel said.

Kailua's defensive pressure stymied Moanalua's half court offense and opened up the second quarter with six points off transition layups from Kunz and Eddins for a 23-4 lead.

"That was the goal tonight to get into transition and limit Moanalua to one shot and to run our offense. I thought we did all three," Marciel said.

Kai Queen's dribble drive at the 4:08 mark gave Na Menehune their first points of the quarter and Travis Morton converted a three-point play to close out the first half but trailed 31-9 going into halftime.

The Surfriders had just one free throw attempt in the first half, but got to the line eight times in the third quarter but converted three free throws.

"We are going to work on our free throws tomorrow in practice," Marciel said.

Kailua finished the game shooting 5 for 11 (45.5 percent) from the foul line while Moanalua finished 5 for 12 (41.6 percent).

Kailua went up by as much as 32 going into the fourth quarter.

"I was very impressed with our back cuts. We scored on back cuts, our guys weren't standing around. Our guys are hungry, this is only their third game of the year. They want to play," Marciel said.

Moanalua outscored Kailua in the fourth quarter, 13 to 8. Lanier hit two 3-pointers to finish with eight points off the bench. Colby Casinas finished with seven points—all scored in the second half.

Kailua begins a three-game home stand starting with Farrington (0-1) on Jan. 12 while Moanalua looks to rebound as they face Anuenue (0-1) on the same night.