Maryknoll's Hunter Marumoto (3) drained three 3-pointers for a game-high 11 points as the Spartans claimed the 2023 Mustangs Classic. Brandon Ching

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Maryknoll's Hunter Marumoto (3) drained three 3-pointers for a game-high 11 points as the Spartans claimed the 2023 Mustangs Classic. Brandon Ching

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Maryknoll's starters accounted for 38 points in their 55-30 win over host Kalaheo to win the 2023 Mustangs Classic Preseason Tournament at Pete Smith Court Wednesday.

Hunter Marumoto led the Spartans with nine of his 11 points off three 3-pointers, Zion Milare added nine, Rome Lilio with eight, Kaniala Woo with six and Nixis Yamauchi had four to round out the starters' scoring.

Since dropping consecutive games at Moanalua Basketball Invitational, the Spartans won three-straight, including a 68-57 win over their ILH cross-street rival Punahou to reach the tournament final.

Maryknoll jumped out to a 8-0 lead off Marumoto's three and Woo's 3-point play. Joshua Schutter hit a 3-pointer from the left wing, but Lilio canned a triple and Mission Uperesa-Thomas completed a 3-point play for a 14-3 first quarter lead.

The Spartans poured it on in the second quarter with a 15-1 run with 3-pointers from Milare, Woo, and a pair from Marumoto for a 28-4 lead.

Taishawn Jeffrey led the Mustangs with nine points and hit a 3-pointer to trail, 34-9 going into halftime.

Schutter was the next leading scorer for Kalaheo with seven with a pair of 3's and Jaron Gilmore had six and a 3-pointer in the loss.

Maryknoll's defense stifled Kalaheo to hold them to single digits in each of the first three quarters. The Spartans led by as much as 33 but the Mustangs outscored them 15 to 11 in the final period.

The Spartans shot 10 for 14 from the free throw line, while the Mustangs converted nine of their 14 free throws.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again, this time at the Maryknoll Community Center on Dec. 21.