While 'Iolani got its sophomore-dominated team playing time, Lahainaluna saw what life looks like without the 2010 Player of the Year.

Alex Masaquel scored on a dribble-drive to the hoop with one minute, 58 seconds left to break a 45-all game to lead the Raiders over the defending state champion Lunas, 50-47, Saturday night in the last game of the Farrington Maroon & White Classic preseason girls' basketball tournament at the Richard T. Kitamura Memorial Fieldhouse.

The Raiders finished the six-team field at 3-0, as did Mid-Pacific. The schedule was set up so that teams from the same league did not face each other.

Meanwhile, the Lunas finished 1-2, beating Kamehameha, while falling to MPI and the Raiders. Lahainaluna all-state guard Maiki Viela suited, but did not play as she has yet to be cleared by physicians because of back problems that might have started from last season's state tournament and worsened while playing for Team Tarausi of the California Storm Basketball Club over the summer.

"All I know if she was playing, every game would be a different game because of what she brings to the court," Lahainaluna coach Todd Rickard said. "She'll get everybody else involved whether she's dishing. Her three-point shooting is tremendous. Her ability to play defense, too."

Like the Raiders, five sophomores dominate the Lunas' 10-player roster, so Viela's absence was felt. Junior Anna Lauese led the Lunas with 16 points.

"They're working hard and they're young to this, but until then, they have to kick (to keep) their heads above water until Maiki gets back and helps us out.," Rickard said.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have six sophomores on their 13-player roster. All six played as freshman, so coach Eddie Maruyama used all of his players, especially having "spent a lot of energy" on Friday in the Raiders' 60-54 win against Farrington.

"They have experience from last year, but it's a new year and we have to get better," Maruyama said.

Both teams turned over the ball frequently. Both could've been better at the free throw line. 'Iolani was 14 of 25 and the Lahainaluna was 11 of 21. But girls' basketball teams have just completed their second week of practice.

"If (teams) looked really sharp, they started (practice) in August," joked Maruyama.

Leads changed hand four times. The Lunas' largest lead was four, while the Raiders' was six.


Farrington Maroon & White Classic

Thursday
Mid-Pacific 52, Farrington 44
'Iolani 61, Kahuku 49
Lahainaluna 43, Kamehameha 40

Friday
Kamehameha 49, Kahuku 34
Mid-Pacific 64, Lahainaluna 44
'Iolani 60, Farrington 54

Saturday
Mid-Pacific 48, Kahuku 38
Farrington 51, Kamehameha 47
'Iolani 50, Lahainaluna 47

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