Mililani’s Hassan Richardson put on a dazzling performance in leading the Trojans to a 62-47 victory over Pearl City in the Oahu Interscholastic Association boys basketball opener for both teams.

Richardson played in his first organized basketball game this school year after recently playing a full season of football. The senior tallied 22 points in repeatedly knocking down feathery close-range jumpers over Pearl City defenders.

Mililani jumped out to a fast start behind a swarming defense that limited Pearl City to 16 first half points.  The Chargers made a comeback bid in late in the third quarter when Mililani assisted them with numerous turnovers.
Mililani’s lead was cut to five points before the Trojans connected on two late third quarter baskets to push their lead back to a nine-point advantage at the end of that quarter. During the break Mililani coaches urged their players to pass the ball out of trapping situations and they responded by taking better care of the ball against Pearl City’s pressing full-court defense in the final quarter. The improved ball-handling enabled Mililani to firmly secure the win.

Richardson and Trent McKinney joined the team after a successful football campaign in which Mililani captured the OIA title. The pair played in the Hawaii Union Builders Goodwill Senior Bowl on Friday, December 3 then began practicing with their basketball teammates the next day.

McKinney, the quarterback for Mililani, was recently named the OIA Red West Division most valuable player by the league while Richardson earned first team OIA Red West Division honors as a wide receiver.

When asked about his performance after the game, Richardson stated, “For me playing basketball it just comes natural. I love the game and I have been looking for an opportunity to contend for an OIA basketball title.”