A third of the way through its first official season, Hawaiian Mission Academy has done everything except lose.

The host Knights improved to 5-0 after rallying to beat Le Jardin, 73-63, in an uptempo Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II boys basketball game last night in front of a near-capacity crowd of about 100 at McKeague Hall.

"We came together as a team and told each other we can do this," said Hawaiian Mission senior Seth Katada, who scored 33 points.

Hawaiian Mission, a small Seventh-day Adventist private school located in Makiki, gained ILH membership in the fall. Though the school fielded athletic teams in the past and even played against some ILH teams, there were no official wins or losses because the Knights weren't a member of the state's interscholastic leagues.

With membership, the Knights' games count this year and teams are eligible for state tournaments.

"Now, every time we win, it's that much more special," said Hawaiian Mission senior Aaron Bechard, who scored 11. "We thank God for everything that's happened so far."

Much like it did last week in wins over Saint Louis' Division II team and Hanalani, the Knights rallied late in the game, overcoming a 10-point deficit in the third quarter and then running away in the fourth.

Kalani Soeda scored 18 points, Tevin Togami had 11 and Taylor Gray had 10 for Le Jardin (0-4).

Gray scored six straight points to start a 10-0 Le Jardin run early in the third quarter, putting the Bulldogs up 44-34.

Katada then scored 10 points during Hawaiian Mission's 12-0 run, driving to the basket for layups and making free throws. His two free throws gave the Knights a 46-44 lead with 34.9 seconds left.

Wilson McCleod made a layup to help Le Jardin close to 54-51 with less than six minutes to play. The Knights then went on a 9-0 run to seal the game.

Katada, who had just six points in the first half, was unstoppable in the second half with his quick drives to the basket. He converted 17 of 22 free throws, Jonathan Ko added 11 points and the Knights' defensive pressure fueled an already vocal crowd.

"We got good home support," said Hawaiian Mission co-coach Nelson Katada. "It was awesome. You can just feel it."

Coach Katada said he's "pleasantly surprised" with his team's record, and attributed it to hard work and teamwork.

"We've been playing (together) since we were small, so we know each other," Bechard said. "The coaches really make us run. It's all determination."

LE JARDIN (0-4) 14 15 16 18 — 63

HMA (5-0) 15 13 18 27 — 73

LE JARDIN — Tevin Togami 11, John Whitty 6, Kelvin Akamine 6, Kalani Soeda 18, Sean McWhinnie 0, Josh Kava 4, Wilson McCleod 6, Alex Gomes 0, Taylor Gray 10, Oliver Donkervoet 0, William Durnin 2. Totals 25 11-21 63.

HAWAIIAN MISSION — Jonathan Ko 11, Jomell Navales 0, Jacob Chan 8, Brandon Winslow 0, Aaron Bechard 11, Seth Katada 33, Ryan Asatani 1, Jeff Lamog 8, Kaleb Lane 1. Totals 21 30-47 73.

3-point goals: Le Jardin 2 (Togami, Whitty). Hawaiian Mission 1 (Ko).