VIDEO: Mililani Wins First OIA Basketball Championship
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS!
Published: 02/16/2008
David Kawada - Content Editor
dkawada@digitalsports.com
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The Trojans of Mililani overcame playing without their point guard to defeat Moanalua 49-34 to win their first ever OIA Boys Basketball Championship. The title also brings the first round bye in next week’s HHSAA State Tournament which starts on Wednesday. Moanalua has also qualified for the Tournament and will play in the opening round.
Curtis Murakami, the Trojans starting point guard, tore his Achilles tendon in the previous victory over Campbell and will not be able to play in the State Tournament. In a surprise act by Head Coach Hiram Akina, the coaching staff and several fans showed up at the game wearing t-shirts with the name “Murakami” on the back and his #12.
“He has carried us all year,” said Akina. “Now it was our turn to carry him.”
“I had no idea,” said proud dad Brian.
The players came out on fire to win it for their teammate. The Trojans led 19-4 after the first quarter and never looked back. Scott Burns scored 14 points to lead all scorers. Aaron Lenchanko also added 8 points.
The Menehune could not get into an offensive flow. Senior guard Stevie Austin managed 10 points from the field. But the perimeter shooting just did not find the basket.
Josiah Kauhola tossed in 9 points.
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