In two close games, senior Cheynne Lishman helped the Kalaheo High School boys basketball team pull through.

Lishman helped the Mustangs win three games last week, including close wins over defending state champion Kaimuki and then-undefeated Kahuku. He averaged 20 points during the week.

"(Last) week, we prepared very hard," Lishman said. "Coach was very focused on winning the next two games. Kahuku was a tough team in the division. We prepared going in detail with the defense and offense they run."

Kalaheo (7-0) edged Kaimuki, 61-57, behind a 23-point effort from Lishman. Against Kahuku (6-1), he scored 19 points in a 50-48 victory. He also had 18 points in a win over Castle and said his teammates rose up in the tight games.

"We handled it pretty good," Lishman said. "As the game got closer, we played closer as a team. It was a matter of teamwork and it's going to carry us through the season.

"That's what wins games. There's no selfish players on the team."

Late in the game against Kahuku, Lishman got the ball. Realizing this, the Red Raiders put more than one defender against him.

With the score tied at 48, Lishman drove down the court and into the key, where he passed to an open Bruce Andrews for the game-winning layup with two seconds remaining. His teammates scored the game's final 11 points.

"Even though coach Chico (Furtado) wanted the ball in my hands, I knew they (teammates) were going to be open," Lishman said. "During the week of preparation, everyone had great practices and were having good games all week.

"For them to step up shows tremendous heart in everybody and knowing it takes a whole lot of load off me. It makes me proud there are players capable of doing it."

As the only starter back from last year's team that finished third in the state, Lishman has been looked upon for leadership. He trained in the offseason to prepare for this year.

"The responsibility, it's kind of a big load," Lishman said. "I think I'm ready to do it. Coach Chico told me that I have to carry the load and I told him I'm able to handle the responsibility."

Reach Stanley Lee at sktlee@honoluluadvertiser.com.