Saint Louis secured its fourth consecutive ILH championship with a hard-fought 63-56 win over Punahou, earning a seeded berth in the HHSAA Division I state tournament.

Despite missing top scorers Tanoa Scanlan and Zion White, Punahou pushed the three-time defending state champions to the limit. Ethan Chung led the Buff ’n Blue with 16 points, while Tate Takamiya added 14 points and four rebounds. Houston Hosoda chipped in nine points, including two three-pointers, as Punahou fought to stay in the game.

The Crusaders faced early resistance against Punahou’s defense but found an early spark from Caelan Fernando, who scored 10 of their 15 first-quarter points. Fernando finished with a game-high 22 points, knocking down four three-pointers while also dishing out five assists. Saint Louis extended its lead in the second quarter behind key outside shooting from Shancin Revuelto and Keanu Meacham, taking a 31-22 advantage into halftime.

Pupu Sepulona, who was quiet in the first half, took control after the break, scoring 13 of his 18 points in the second half while grabbing six rebounds to keep the Crusaders in command. Punahou made a late push, fueled by a series of three-pointers, cutting the deficit to five with under a minute left, but Saint Louis held strong to complete its four-peat.

Both teams now turn their attention to the state tournament. Saint Louis awaits the winner of Leilehua vs. Konawaena in the quarterfinals, while Punahou faces Moanalua in the opening round.

Photos: Jonathan Salvador

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