Kailua outlasts Kapolei to advance, 46-44

The Surfriders celebrate after defeating host Kapolei. Kailua will face Kalaheo in Friday's quarterfinals. CJ Caraang | SL

Strong guard play paved the way in Kailua's 46-44 opening round win over host Kapolei in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Division I playoffs Thursday night.

Freshman Everett Torres-Kahapea and senior Noah Ah Yat combined for 23 points and six 3-pointers to help the Surfriders improve to 7-5 in league play and 17-10 overall.

Kailua, the sixth seed from the OIA D1 East, moves on to face second-seeded Kalaheo, the sixth-ranked team in the ScoringLive/Hawaiian Electric Boys Basketball Power Rankings, Friday at Pete Smith Court. The Surfriders won the regular season meeting between the two teams at home, 54-52.

Kapolei's season ends with a 7-4 and 12-8 record.

The Surfriders saw three players finish in double figures. Torres-Kahapea knocked down three triples and went 4-for-4 from the free throw line to finish with a season-high 13 points, post Christian Mejia scored 11 points and Ah Yat chipped in 10 more.

Zoar Nedd poured in a game-high 14 points and Dillon Pakele added a season-high 13 points to lead the Hurricanes in the loss.