Kahuku avenged its earlier loss to Mililani with a 63-51 upset in the opening round of the HHSAA Division I Boys Basketball State Championships. Four Red Raiders scored in double figures, led by Kashus Daley’s 17 points, while Mystique Akina-Watson added 14.

After falling to Mililani in the OIA quarterfinals just 12 days earlier, Kahuku responded with a strong defensive effort and a dominant showing at the free-throw line, converting 19 of 22 attempts. The Red Raiders switched to a 2-3 zone in the second half, stifling Mililani’s offense and fueling an 11-0 run that secured the lead for good.

Mililani’s Roman Gabriel scored a game-high 19 points, and LeCedric Brown had 17, but the Trojans struggled down the stretch, committing 19 fouls and losing two key players to foul trouble.

Kahuku, now 12-2, advances to face fourth-seeded Baldwin in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at McKinley’s Student Council Gymnasium. Mililani’s season ends with another early exit on its home court.

Photos: Lori McKeown