Iolani's Zach Buscher, navigates around Punahou defenders to find the basket. Jessica Oda | Special to SL

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020513_EA_Pun-IolBBKB_2-5-13.jpg - Jessica Oda | Special to SL

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'Iolani upset Punahou on their Senior Night to avenge a 21-point loss at Punahou earlier this season. 'Iolani snapped their three-game losing streak and improves to 4-5 in the ILH while the loss drops Punahou to 7-2 in the ILH.

Reece Foy scored 9 points to lead the Raiders. As a senior, he led his team in many ways and provided the vocal leadership.

"All our guys really played solid, but Reece Foy was the spark for us (in the second half) on both ends of the floor. He's a senior, he's been with us for four years. He not only brought spirit, but brought points, defensive pressure and a little bit of everything," said 'Iolani head coach Dean Shimamoto.

"Punahou has a lot of great talent one through five, they are definitely one of the most talented teams in the state. Coming into this game, our goal wasn't to win or lose, our goal was to stick and play together. I got the guys together earlier and said, 'It wasn't about making our layups or shots, it's a matter of sticking together and believing.'" said Foy.  

The Buffanblu held 'Iolani scoreless and led after the first quarter, 8-0.

At halftime, Punahou led 18-6.

"In the first half, the opportunities we had to make free throws and layups, finish off the quarter strong, we didn't do. Being down twelve points at the half, we felt it should have been much closer only because we had great opportunities. We missed a ton of shots, but had great opportunities and that was our focus at halftime," said Shimamoto.

In the second half, the Raiders turned it around as they outscored the Buffanblu, 23-9.

Shimamoto said, "We made more shots in the second half and we tried to come out and get the easy things."

'Iolani's defensive pressure caused numerous Punahou turnovers and the Raiders chipped away at the deficit in the third quarter.

'Iolani took the lead, 29-27 late in the game. Punahou had a chance to win in the closing seconds, but a mishandled pass led to a desperate three-point shot by Kanawai Noa that hit the backboard.

"I'm absolutely proud of our boys. It's a great memory and experience for them and it's something they will remember for a long time," said Shimamoto.

Nick Velasquez led the Buffanblu with 9 points

Punahou travels to Kamehameha on Friday 2/8 at 6 pm. 'Iolani travels to Mid-Pacific 4:30 pm on Saturday 2/9 to close out the regular season.