Spartans bounce back past Buffanblu


Maryknoll's Aloha Akaka (right) gets a hand on Tama Fonoti's (left) shot attempt for a block in the first quarter. Spencer Honda | SL

MAKIKI — After falling at the hands of top-ranked Iolani two days prior to break a three-game Interscholastic League of Honolulu play win streak, third-ranked Maryknoll bounced back Thursday evening to down No. 6 Punahou, 50-34, at Hemmeter Fieldhouse.

It was a close one-point game after five and a half minutes of play, but the Spartans would outscore the Buffanblu, 17-7, the rest of the first half.

The last nine Buffanblu points of the first half were all on free throws. Similarly, Maryknoll closed out the game on eight free throws for the final points.

Sophomores Serenity Moananu and Jalen Tanuvasa led the Spartans with 14 points each while junior Kyla Neumann followed with 10 points.

Melody Lum led Punahou with eight points.

Both teams are back in action Saturday, Jan. 12, with Maryknoll (5-3) hosting Kamehameha (6-2) at noon, and Punahou (4-4) traveling to Mid-Pacific (1-7) for a 4:30 p.m. contest.