Kahuku Ends Title Drought, Edges Kailua 35–32 for OIA Division I Championship

HONOLULU – The Kahuku Red Raiders closed the door on a long-awaited return to the top of OIA Division I boys basketball Tuesday night, grinding out a hard-fought 35–32 victory over the defending champion Kailua Surfriders in a defensive-heavy championship showdown.

The win delivered Kahuku its first OIA Division I boys basketball title since 2017, once again under head coach Brandyn Akana, and capped a season defined by resilience, depth, and late-game execution.

Kailua’s Sebastian Ledda puts up a shot attempt in the first half against Kahuku. | Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

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Both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively in a physical, low-scoring contest that featured six lead changes and tight margins throughout. Kahuku held slim advantages after the first two quarters before Kailua surged ahead late in the third, setting the stage for a dramatic final frame.

Kahuku responded with its best quarter of the night when it mattered most, outscoring Kailua 15–7 in the fourth quarter. Timely stops, defensive discipline, and clutch free throws proved decisive as the Red Raiders regained control in the final minutes.

Kahuku’s Justus Daley puts up a layup attempt in the first half against Kailua. | Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Coach Akana credited his team’s toughness and belief after the game. “There were times when we could give up, but the guys never gave up,” he said. “They held to it, and towards the end you could see that we came out on top”

The championship was particularly meaningful given Kahuku’s ability to adjust without a key contributor in the lineup. Akana praised his team’s depth, noting that players stepped up organically without needing to be told — a sign of a group built for postseason moments.

Fun Factory VIP of the Game: Tiki Akina-Watson

Senior Tiki Akina-Watson was named the Fun Factory VIP of the Game, embracing the challenge of impacting the championship beyond the box score. Tasked with defending Kailua’s top scorer, Akina-Watson embraced his role, helping limit Maddox Pung and anchoring Kahuku’s late-game defense.

“Our goal was to shut Maddox down,” Akina-Watson said. “It wasn’t just me — it was my team. Everybody played a big part”.

Offensively, Akina-Watson delivered when it mattered most, knocking down clutch free throws in the final minute. “Free throws win games,” he said. “If you don’t think so, you just saw it happen”.

For the senior, the moment carried deeper meaning. “It means everything,” Akina-Watson said. “My last year here, I couldn’t ask for anything more. We’re coming for the state next”.

Kahuku guard Tiki Akina-Watson surveys the court in the first half. | Photo: Daniel Fujita, Special to HSRN

Top Performers

Kahuku Red Raiders

• Inoke Lloyd – Led Kahuku with 9 points, knocking down key shots and playing heavy minutes in the backcourt.

• Tiki Akina-Watson – Posted 6 points, 8 rebounds, and took on the primary defensive assignment late.

• Kashus Daley – Added 6 points and delivered key free throws in the fourth quarter.

• Chauncey Ako – Finished with 6 points on efficient shooting, providing steady contributions off the bench.

Kailua Surfriders

• Dylan Kunz – Led Kailua with 11 points, including three three-pointers.

• Joseph Bieniek – Contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds.

• Sebastian Ledda – Added 7 points and 11 rebounds, battling inside all night.

• Maddox Pung – Limited to 4 points on a tough shooting night as Kahuku’s defense focused on containment.

Kahuku held Kailua to 24.5 percent shooting from the field, a defensive effort that ultimately decided the championship.

What’s Next

Both teams advance to the HHSAA Boys Basketball State Championships in Division I.

• First Round: Monday, February 9

• Quarterfinals: Wednesday, February 11

• Semifinals: Thursday, February 12

• Championship: Friday, February 13 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center

Click HERE for the DI bracket.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL LASQUERO