University High holds off Hanalani, 58-56

University High's Ryan Kaleikini takes the ball to the basket against Hanalani. Tyler Kanoa | Special to SL

In a back-and-forth contest, University High outlasted Hanalani to post a 58-56 win.

University High's Anthony Canencia had a big all around game with 8 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal, and teammate Ryan Kaleikini posted a game-high 22 points, and added 3 rebounds 1 assist, and 1 steal.

"At the end it got a little crazy where we were in foul trouble and we kind of just stopped playing defense so we let them back. Every time we would get a lead we would let them back," said University High's head coach Walter Quitan.

Hanalani led 19-12 after the first period, but saw that margin trimmed to just a single point at halftime.

Down the stretch, the one-two punch of Canencia and Kaleikini prove to be a difference maker for the Jr. Bows, exemplified on a full court inbound pass in the fourth that helped keep the home team in front.

"I was just thinking about Pac Five, throwing touchdowns to Tsubasa, It was a designed play and I knew he would get open so I threw it," said Canencia. Kaleikini added, "They were playing full court press so coach Walt set us up for a play with a back pick and I just broke loose from my man and Anthony had the ball right there, with his quarterback arm."

Hanalani rallied to the very end, as Chas Kubo banked in a three-pointer with only fractions of a second left in the game to cut the lead two, but time expired before University could even inbound the ball.

The Jr. Bows improved their record to 2-1 (7-8 overall) while the Royals dropped to 0-2 on the season.

Both of Hanalani's losses thus far have come by only a single-digit deficit, with the other defeat coming at the hands of Hawaii Baptist Academy in overtime on January 4 by 6 points.

Hanalani's head coach Keoni Haole remarked on his boys play, "I thought we played hard, I think we kind of beat up on ourselves. We missed a lot of free throws toward the end and I think that's what killed us. We got a lot of calls today but we just didn't capitalize."

Hanalani will take on Le Jardin 0-2 (0-11overall) on January 15, while University High will travel to Hawaii Baptist 3-0 (6-4 overall).