ILH Boys Soccer
Iolani breaks through to win second straight ILH Division I crown


  



Wed, Jan 31, 2024 @ Iolani


Final 1st 2nd OT 2OT PK Tot
Punahou (11-2-2) 0 0 - - - 0
Iolani (11-1-2) 1 0 - - - 1
K. Palmer

It took 102 minutes of soccer between Iolani and Punahou this season, but the deadlock was finally broken.

Keane Palmer's goal midway through the first half of play was ultimately the game winner in a 1-0 victory for the Raiders over the Buffanblu, marking the first time this season a goal was scored in a match between the two teams.

"We were kind of confused about the call but glad the ball ended up where it was," said Palmer. "I had the shot, I did it against Saint Louis and I was confident I could get it done today. Just put it over the wall and into the top bin."

Carrying a one goal lead into the break, Iolani continued to seek chances in the attacking third but did seem to prioritize limiting scoring chances going the other way, evidenced by both Palmer and Jacob Lee both setting up shop defensively noticeably lower than early on.

"Every game is a fight. I mean three games and only goal scored, the defense on both sides was great and it kind of came down to that one shot," said Palmer. "On offense in the second half we were trying to get chances and go forward with it, but at the same time we had to make sure we stayed back because they have a really dangerous front three that can capitalize on one-on-one opportunities."

Brien Ing | SL    Purchase image

Of note, especially in the latter stages of the match with Punahou clearly pressing hard in the attacking third, was Iolani keeper Brayden Obrero, who made no less than two key saves in the dying moments.

"I mean Brayden's come such a long way this season," Palmer remarked. "Tanner (Shum), our keeper last year, really mentored him, and I've tried my best too but its really come from him, he's really developed as a keeper."

Iolani defended its league title and definitely has aspirations of repeating as state champions as well.

"We're really thrilled to get this game done, that bye game in the first round is crucial for our rest and recovery, but the job is not even close to being finished," Palmer said. "We got the ILH title but we're after the state title for sure. Practice is going to really important for us the next couple of days to get us in the right mindset and place to succeed."





Show your support

Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ScoringLive continue its mission to provide the best and most comprehensive coverage of high school sports in the state of Hawaii and beyond.

Please consider making a contribution today.

ADVERTISEMENT


IMAGE GALLERY



MORE STORIES

Aiea downs Radford to claim first OIA D2 title since 2017

Na Alii led early and rapped out 13 total hits to pull away from the Rams to clinch their first OIA Division...

Pagampao powers No. 1 Mililani past No. 7 Kapolei for 12th OIA crown

The senior belted three home runs, including the go-ahead and game-ending blasts, to lead the Trojans...

Kapolei dethrones Campbell to set up OIA D1 title tilt with Mililani

The Hurricanes pulled away from the Sabers in the final frame while the Trojans held off a late charge...

Surfriders cash in on Na Alii miscues to claim 15th league crown, ninth under Ishigo

Kailua sent eight batters to the plate and scored five runs in a tide-turning bottom of the third inning,...

Waianae rolls past Radford to claim first OIA championship since 2017

Shysten Nagasako did work on both the mound and at the plate in the Seariders' mercy-rule shortened win...

No. 1 seeds Aiea, Kailua to face off for OIA Division I baseball crown

Na Alii posted a 3-1 win over Roosevelt behind Aidan Yoshida's complete game, while two pitchers combined...