Boys Basketball
Kaiser hangs on to stun Moanalua, improve to 2-0 in league play


ScoringLive staff
December 28, 2025, 7:58am

 



It might not be an improbable start for the Cougars, but it definitely the kind of beginning to the season they were hoping for.

Kaiser clawed its way back from a third quarter margin as large as seven, took the lead with 2:20 to play in the fourth then held on to post a stunning home win over Moanalua, 44-41.

The 2-0 start puts the Cougars tied atop the East Divsion standings with Kailua, and provides a little bit of breathing room ahead of a frankly rough five game road stretch upcoming.

"This win really gives us some confidence that we can do it, even in close games we can pull through," said Kyler Larson, who's driving layup inched the home team ahead 42-21, as a series of second half momentum swings went Kaiser's way when they needed it most.

"We tried to get it into the big and it didn't really go as planned, so it got kicked back out to me and then I shot, and got it back for a layup," said Larson of the play.

From there, a pair of missed free throws on both sides kept the margin inexplicably set a just a single point, and a collective sigh of relief was heard as a driving layup attempt by Na Menehune guard Chase LeBaron glanced off the backboard for a miss in the closing seconds.

Two more missed free throws kept the door wide open for Moanalua, but a offensive foul on a drive was drawn by Connor Sasaki with three seconds left.

"We're taught to stay in front and that's basically what we try to do every possession," said Sasaki. "It was just a good play."

The junior guard calmly knocked down both of his attempts at the charity stripe to make it a three point margin, and the last gasp heave for Na Menehune glanced harmlessly off the top of the backboard as the final buzzer sounded.

The bench for Kaiser came up big, scoring 17 points and adding 13 key rebounds, 10 of them from Tripp Kahunahana.

"Our coaches always push us to bring energy to the team and I just to try what I can do help affect that," said Kahunahana. "If I'm not scoring as much points I try and do other stuff, like grab rebounds."

Knoxx Wright added eight points in limited minutes and Mason Hill five of his own, including a big bucket that tied the score up at the of the third. He also added a surprising block of a LeBaron three at the top of the key.

"It gives the starters rest which we needed today, at least I needed," laughed Sasaki. "Everyone just knows their role and they play really well."

Both teams are youthful to say the least. Kaiser's roster features just two seniors, starter Aaron Cadena and reserve Jake Sakihara, as does Moanalua, with just two seniors as well.




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