ILH: Punahou crushes Iolani, 60-46
In a showdown between the state’s two top teams, it was two of the state’s top players that shined the most. Punahou seniors Miah Ostrowski and Spencer McLachlin put forth dominating performances to help the Buff-n-Blu win their first ILH title since 1999 ending an Iolani streak of 6 consecutive championships.
Ostrowski (shown, Honolulu Advertiser) was simply “ridiculous” scoring 18 of his 26 points in the second half, nearly all of which were spectacular. On several occasions, he was able to get by his first defender and the trap man, slide by the help and finish with a double clutch layup around the fourth and fifth guys. Spencer was equally as dominant, though mainly on the boards and in the paint on defense. He sucked down seemingly every defensive rebound and anytime the ball was in his area, he knocked it back into the stands.
Up only 26-20 at the half, Punahou opened the game up in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Raiders 17-9 and then finished them off in the fourth with timely stops and buckets on their way to a 60-46 win.
Both Iolani and Punahou have already qualified for the 2007 State Tournament which begins on Tuesday, February 20th. Punahou will more than likely have the top seed and will be granted a first round bye while the Raiders will have to take the long road needing to win 4 games to pick up their 6th consecutive title.