Owls, Mustangs notch wins on final day of Alegre Invitational

James Smotherman and Elijah Kahue-Parker battle for a rebound against Leilehua. Both scored nine points to pace the Owls in a win over the Mules. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Mid-Pacific and Kalaheo both notched victories to close out the final day of the 21st annual James Alegre Basketball Invitational.

The Owls outlasted Leilehua in a 40-39 nailbiter that saw the Mules with a chance to win the game in regulation, but a layup attempt as time expired was no good.

Elijah Kahue-Parker and James Smotherman each scored nine points in the victory.

Mid-Pacific won all its games during the three day tournament, which included a 68-60 win over Punahou II, and a 44-39 result over Kalaheo, to improve its record to 7-2 in the preseason.

A loss to the Owls on the second day of the tournament was the only stumble for the Mustangs, who defeated Leilehua 76-53 on day one before toppling ILH power Punahou, 53-47, to close out the slate of games at Alegre Gymnasium.

In the win over Punahou, Luke Pardini led the way with 19 points, wih Kanoa Smith chipping in 13 and Ryan Owens 11.