HONOLULU — Trey Ambrozich listened to his parents and coaches, and it paid off big for the University Lab School. The 6-foot-7 junior played a key role as his team faced Kailua in the Division I quarterfinals.
“My parents and coaches kept telling me to attack the rim more,” Ambrozich said. “I focused on that, and it worked.” He scored all 15 of his team’s fourth-quarter points, finishing the game with 28 points and nine rebounds. The Junior Bows won 51-45 against the OIA champion Surfriders.
In the first half, Ambrozich made several shots from outside. As the game progressed, he took control inside, including a crucial block and rebound with under a minute left on the clock. “When he gets going like that, he’s almost unguardable,” said University coach Ryan Tong.
Teammate Koa Laboy, another player from a family of UH sports legends, helped out with 13 rebounds, while Alika Ahu added 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting.
In other D-I quarterfinals, Punahou defeated Kamehameha-Hawaii 67-53, Kahuku edged Baldwin 56-49, and top-seeded Saint Louis beat Leilehua 76-57. University and Punahou will meet in the semifinals, both having gone through tight games against each other this season. Although Punahou lost a key player to injury, Coach Tong praises their talent and coaching. “They’re a phenomenal team,” he noted. “We have to stay focused after this emotional win.”
Punahou’s Ethan Chung led his team with 18 points, while Zion White scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
This season is special for University Lab School, returning to the D-I state semifinals for the first time in 37 years. Coach Ryan Tong was a player on the back-to-back championship teams in the late ’80s. University is making a strong case for their move up to D-I, showing they can hold their own.
The game was intense, with University taking an early 13-point lead. But Kailua fought back with three-pointers from Nainoa Hirasuna-Kenny and Dylan Kunz. Hirasuna-Kenny led Kailua with 15 points, and the team showed resilience throughout. However, University’s defensive strategy worked effectively, holding Kailua’s top scorer, Maddox Pung, to a quiet night.
Kailua coach Wally Marciel recognized the challenge. “These guys know how to play tight games,” he said. “Every shot counts in the fourth quarter.” Despite their loss, Kailua has had a fantastic season, winning their first OIA D-I title since 1982.
In Division II action, top-seeded Seabury Hall defeated Kaiser 75-59. Two-time defending champ Kohala made a strong comeback against Damien, winning 50-22, and Hawaii Prep overcame Kauai 59-49, while OIA champ Aiea topped Le Jardin 76-52.
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