Kailua dominated Moanalua in the OIA semifinal, never trailing in a 67-56 win. Maddox Pung led the way with a career-high 30 points, including 22 in the second half. The junior guard shot 13 of 21 from the field, exploiting mismatches inside the arc. Skyler Unten and Sebastian Ledda added 10 points each.

The Surfriders controlled the game with a 38-29 edge in points in the paint and a 20-7 advantage in second-chance points. They also forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 18 points. Pung’s three consecutive baskets sparked an 8-0 third-quarter run, giving Kailua a 16-point cushion. Moanalua responded with a 10-0 surge, but Kailua closed the quarter strong, capped by Pung’s three-point play.

Freshman Chazen Dabalos-Vereze paced Moanalua with 18 points, while Tramir Ladipo added 15. Na Menehune’s seven-game win streak ended, and they will face Leilehua for third place. Kailua advances to its first league final since 2022, seeking redemption after last year’s double-overtime semifinal loss. The Surfriders will battle Mililani for the OIA title Wednesday at McKinley.

Photos: Lori McKeown