Iolani Alumni

Around December, usually the only thing associated with the word “semifinalists” are the numerous “National Merit” scholars the school often raves about, but not this year. This year the Iolani Basketball team was able to do what no other team in recent history has been able to do — including the teams with Derrick Low, Kyle Pape and the Anderson twins (not all on the same team) — make it to the semifinals of the Iolani Prep Classic.

Facing the White Station Spartans, picked to finish among the top teams in their league back in Memphis, the Raiders came out with a gutsy performance filled with tough defense, aggressive rebounding and timely shooting. Despite losing 6-5 junior center Taylor Mounts to a broken hand late last week, the Raiders held their own on the boards against an athletic White Station squad and were able to hit a collection of threes to take the game into the fourth quarter with a decent lead. The team was able to maintain their lead throughout the final quarter and closed out the game with freethrows to seal the 61-46 victory. Iolani was led by sharp shooter Case Miyahira who scored 19 points along with 18 points from sophomore swingman Liloa Nobriga.

The Raiders will face the USA Today No.11 LeFlore Rattlers in the semifinals tonight in the “feature” game scheduled for 8:00pm. Come EARLY!