Raiders clinch first state berth since 2013


Iolani's Tori Lynn Maeda puts up a 3-point shot attempt in the second quarter against Kamehameha. Michael Lasquero | SL

Iolani is going to the big dance after a five-year absence.

The fourth-ranked Raiders eliminated No. 5 Kamehameha with a 48-44 win in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I second round at Lower Gymnasium to clinch their first state berth since 2013 Monday night.

Tori Lynn Maeda poured in a game-high 18 points, scoring all of Iolani's 13 fourth quarter points on 9-for-10 shooting at the free throw line, and Taylor Wu knocked down four treys to power the Raiders to their third straight win over Kamehameha

Kiana Vierra and Kalina Obrey had 16 and 11 points respectively to lead the Warriors in their season-ending loss.

Iolani moves on to take on top-ranked Maryknoll Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the final game of the league's second round, which uses a single-elimination tournament format.

A win by the Spartans will give them the league's overall title, but a victory by the Raiders will force a playoff between the teams Wednesday for the ILH D1 crown.