Punahou ekes past Kamehameha to notch third league win

Punahou's Shayna Suzuki takes a shot deep in the post against Kamehameha. Suzuki notched a game-high 12 points in a win over the home team Warriors to stay unbeaten in league play. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Punahou needed overtime to improve to 3-0 in ILH play, edging Kamehameha, 39-36, in the first game of a televised doubleheader at Kekuhaupio Gymnasium.

Shayna Suzuki led all scorers with 12 points, which included the first four points in the overtime period.

Kamehameha responded via the three pointer to stay in the game, tying it at 32-all on Kapomaikai Nakakura triple with 32 seconds left in the extra period.

But Punahou made three of four free throws down the stretch, giving the Warriors a last gasp attempt at a tie with 1.7 left, but a hail mail heave at the buzzer was short to end it.

Laynee Torres-Kahapea was one point and one rebound short of a double-double, and added three assists, four steals and two blocks in a gritty effort for the Buffanblu. Tanea Loa added six points and five boards and Kuualoha Lloyd four points and eight rebounds.

Kamehameha got seven points and five rebounds from Makenzie Alapai and Kylee Kamauoha-Phillips had seven points to go along with five steals, three assists and two boards.