Iolani captures fourth state title in a row
By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer
Iolani's boys basketball team dribbled and shot its way into the record book last night, racing past Kahuku, 62-51, for its unprecedented fourth straight Hawai'i High School Athletic Association championship.
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The Raiders, with only one senior starter, finished the season with an overall record of 30-2 by winning its 100th consecutive game against Hawai'i opponents before an energetic crowd of 4,205 at Blaisdell Arena. Iolani's last defeat to a Hawai'i team was a 68-60 loss to Kalaheo on Dec. 8, 2001.
Iolani's Kyle Pape averaged 31 points in three games and was named the state tournament's most outstanding player.
As with the previous 99 victories, last night's was achieved thanks to an efficient, unselfish offense and relentless perimeter defense.
"It's all ball pressure," said senior Kyle Pape, who finished with a game-high 27 points and scored 93 in three tournament games. "We wore them down as the game went on, and then it came down to free throws."
The Raiders also dominated in that area, sinking 22 of 31 (71 percent), including 11 of 13 in the fourth period.
Pape led the way by making 12 of 14, and he finished the tournament 37 of 40 (92.5 percent).
"They are the epitome of discipline, with their ability to execute in every area," said Kahuku coach Nathan James, whose team was making its first state final appearance. "They have a system that the kids have bought into, and confidence breeds confidence. They spread the floor and looked for any opportunity where we broke down on defense, and then they took advantage of it. And their free-throw shooting — I mean, it's amazing. They rarely miss."
Iolani led from start to finish. The closest Kahuku got was 8-7 in the first period, but the Raiders then went on an 11-2 run and never let the lead shrink to under seven thereafter.
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Iolani closed the first half with a 7-2 run to lead 32-19 at the break, and then maintained it in the third period. The Raiders built the lead to 48-33 early in the fourth, and the closest Kahuku got after that was the final score, helped by Shane Hayden's 3-pointer at the buzzer.
From left, Iolani's Kyson Morikuni, Jon Takamura, Kyle Pape and Ryan Dung take a shine to their latest trophy.
Hayden, Clinton Parks and Junior Ale — the Red Raiders' three best outside shooters — were held to a combined 26 points on 10 of 34 (29.4 percent) field goal shooting.
"It was their pressure defense," Hayden said. "They're real disciplined on defense and on offense; they all have fundamentals and can shoot free throws. They've been here the past four years, so they also have a lot of experience. It was our first time."
Iolani coach Mark Mugiishi said this year's team probably had to work harder than the previous three.
The Raiders survived three of the closest challenges to the 100-game streak this season, with a one-point victory and a pair of two-point wins.
"It was a wonderful season because of the effort they put in," Mugiishi said. "They combined a team concept with a work ethic."
Pape, when asked to explain Iolani's dynasty, used two words.
"Team effort," he said.
Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.
