Moanalua survives road test at Kahuku, 61-58

Moanalua's Kahanu Pu'ulei-Auld puts up a jump shot against Kahuku. Peter Caldwell | SL

It was senior night at Kahuku, and an improving Red Raider team came close to pulling off an upset of visiting Moanalua in an OIA Red East battle.

Moanalua appeared to be in control early but Kahuku narrowed the score to 16-13 after the first quarter.

Na Menehune had only a 3-point halftime margin at 32-29. After the break, every time Moanalua threatened to build a commanding lead, Kahuku refused to go away, taking advantage of free throw opportunities and getting key baskets.

Spurred on by the home crowd down the stretch, the Red Raiders crept closer and closer. In the hectic last minute, Kahuku got a putback by Will Cravens to come within two, but Moanalua was able to get the ball in bounds and go to the foul line. Kahanu Puʻulei-Auld missed on his first attempt but converted the second to make the score 61-58. With 7 seconds left, Kawe Johnsonʻs last ditch three was off the mark, and Moanaluaʻs fans could breathe a sigh of relief.

Leading the way for Moanalua was Kahanu Puʻulei Auld with 17 followed by Eliet Donley with 13, and Ola Brown with 11. Kahuku had balanced scoring with Hirkley Latu (12) and seniors Will Cravens (11), Kawe Johnson (10) and Quayd Ah You (8).

Moanaluaʻs Coach Greg Tacon credited the Red Raiders. " I donʻt think they missed a free throw tonight. Iʻll bet they were over 20 for 20. Good for them! Iʻm happy for DJ because he does a real good effort with his kids. Theyʻre going to be in the bracket opposite from us, and I hope they make the State tournament. It was a survival thing for us tonight and thatʻs all that matters."

Moanaluaʻs own senior night will be on Monday the 4th against Castle, while Kahuku will travel to Kaiser to complete their regular season schedule.