Big fourth period carries 'Iolani over Kaimuki, 58-40


Wes Nakama
December 17, 2011, 3:58pm

'Iolani's Gabriel Vega elevates for a rebound against Kaimuki. Greg Yamamoto | SL
Gabriel Vega scored 18 points and Duke Paoli added 10 points yesterday to help 'Iolani rally past Kaimuki, 58-40, in the opening round of the 28th Annual 'Iolani Prep Classic.

The Raiders advanced to tomorrow's 5 p.m. quarterfinal against Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.), which is ranked No. 4 in the nation in the ESPN Rise/Powerade Fab 50. Kaimuki will play Academy of the Pacific at 10:30 a.m. in tomorrow's consolation bracket.

The Bulldogs led 38-35 after Tai Boyd's 3-pointer with 6:42 remaining, but Austin O'Leary answered with a 3-pointer to start 'Iolani on a 23-2 run to finish the game. Kaimuki went six minutes without a single point, until Tim Tolenoa's two free throws finally broke the string with 37 seconds left.

The Bulldogs led 14-6 late in the first period and 21-12 in the second before the Raiders finished the half with an 11-2 run tie it at 23-23 heading into the break.

Boyd led Kaimuki with 16 points.