Once Nalu Kahapea established good position in the low post, he was pretty much unstoppable for Kamehameha, which pulled out a thrilling victory over Waiakea, the league leader in winning close games.
But not this time. That’s because Kahapea hit a baseline jump shot with five seconds left to spark a 52-50 victory over Waiakea in a BIIF Division I boys basketball showdown on Saturday night at the Warriors Gym.
The 6-foot-4 senior finished with 26 points and seven rebounds, and Isaiah Nakoa-Oness had 13 points to carry the visiting Warriors (2-0), who buried 37 percent (21 of 57) from the field, including 1 of 15 from long range and hit 7 of 12 free throws.
Noah Tominaga scored 19 points, William Soares had 12 points, Rekky Prudencio 11 and Kia’i Apele added seven points for Waiakea (0-1), which shot 31 percent (15 of 48) from the floor, including 0 of 10 from beyond the arc and made 19 of 27 free throws.
Kamehameha held a 38-30 lead heading into the final eight minutes but committed six of its 13 turnovers in the fourth quarter. Each one was costly, including two in a row with a minute remaining and almost fatal. Waiakea finished with seven giveaways.
However, the bigger issue was Waiakea’s missed free throws, especially down the stretch.
The home team went to the line six times. The Warriors shot a Shaq-like 50 percent, going 3 of 6.
On the last missed free throw, No. 3 for those counting, Kamehameha rebounded and called a timeout with 17.4 seconds to play.
Kahapea set up shop on the left block and was fed the ball.
Waiakea immediately swarmed with a double team. But being taller than two defenders is a big help. Kahapea nailed a turnaround shot despite four hands in his face.
Waiakea called timeout with 3.5 seconds left. Under Kamehameha’s basket, the ball was inbounded to Tominaga. He heaved a 35-foot Hail Mary, but the shot was short, and Kamehameha earned the win over the two-time defending BIIF champion.
In the first half, both teams struggled with their shooting. Kamehameha shot just 33 percent from the field while Waiakea converted 24 percent in a slow-down pace. Neither team scored a fast-break layup.
Each team attacked differently in half court. Kamehameha got the ball inside to Kahapea, who scored 11 points, including a 3-pointer and a nice baseline drive to the basket. Apele was a dribble-dish machine and had three assists. He finished with four assists as Kamehameha clogged the lanes better.
Waiakea had nearly flawless ball-handling with only one turnover, which came with 2:21 left in the second quarter. Kamehameha had five turnovers in the first half, and neither team scored off a giveaway.
The home team charged the rim but only made 6 of 9 from the free throw line, a sign of things to come. The visitors went 2 of 2 from the line; both free throws were by Kahapea.
In the third quarter, Kamehameha worked the ball inside and stretched its lead behind Kahapea, who scored six points. But he was just getting warmed up. He had nine points in the fourth period, including the game-winner.