Stevie Austin helped Moanalua pull off a rare state tournament upset.

Austin averaged 22 points in three games at last week's Hawaiian Airlines/Hawai'i High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball Championships, which included an upset of top-seeded 'Iolani.

"It was a great win because during the preseason, we lost to them twice and it was like getting over that hump," Austin, a senior, said. "Beating the No. 1 team in the state, it was a satisfying win."

The win over 'Iolani was only the second time a No. 1 seed lost in the quarterfinal round since the state tournament implemented a 12-team format in 1983.

In 1987, top-seeded Moanalua lost to Hilo in the quarterfinals. That was also the only year where three seeded teams lost in the quarterfinals.

One of the state's top point guards, Austin displayed amazing speed and versatility in the state tournament, driving for layups, hitting 3-pointers and playing tough defense. Austin scored 25 points in a first-round win over Campbell, then hit five 3-pointers and finished with 23 points against 'Iolani. In a semifinal loss to Kamehameha-Hawai'i, Austin finished with 18 points despite picking up three fouls in the first half.

Moanalua had to forfeit its two tournament victories and didn't play the third-place game because of an ineligible player.

"Overall, my career at Moanalua was great," Austin said. "It was mostly what I dreamed of. I'm disappointed to fall short of the main goal."

Austin is leaning toward attending the University of San Francisco, although he's still weighing his college options. He said he'd consider playing collegiate basketball if the opportunity arises at a good academic school.

Reach Stanley Lee at sktlee@honoluluadvertiser.com.