Updated at 11:44 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2007
Ostrowski, McLachlin lead Punahou into state finals
By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer
This year things finally came together, and the Buffanblu pair will play in their first state title game.
Ostrowski scored 22 points, and McLachlin had 17 points and seven rebounds as top-seeded Punahou beat Kalaheo, 66-53, in the semifinals of the Hawaiian Airlines/HHSAA Boys Basketball Division I State Championships Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
"We set out this year of really wanting to get the seniors, especially Miah and Spencer, to this point. They've never been to this point," said first-year Punahou coach Dan Hale. "It was our goal to get them there, and we took it one game at a time, and we were fortunate."
Punahou, the Interscholastic League of Honolulu champion, will play No. 2 Kaimuki in the final Friday night at 8.
"It means everything right now," said McLachlin, a 6-foot-7 forward. "This was our goal since November 15 when we started. This is what wešve been waiting for."
The Buffanblu took a 37-25 advantage at halftime and were never really threatened in the second half. Punahou's largest lead was 62-44 after two free throws by Ostrowski with 2:58 remaining in the game.
