In one of the greatest performances in O'ahu Interscholastic Association playoff history, Kahuku's Junior Ale scored a career-high 38 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, dished five assists, made two steals and blocked a shot last night to lead the Red Raiders to a 73-59 semifinal victory over Campbell.

Defending champion Kahuku, ranked No. 5 in The Advertiser's statewide Top 10 poll of coaches and media, improved to 12-1 in the OIA and will play Eastern Division rival Kaimuki (11-2) for the title at 7:30 tomorrow at McKinley's Student Council Gym. The game will be televised live on OC-16.

Ale, a 6-foot-2 senior guard, scored 28 points in the second half last night at McKinley after the Red Raiders trailed 31-30 at the break.

"Just by the way (assistant coach Wayne) Keyes was looking at me at halftime, I knew in my head he was telling me to step it up in the second half," Ale said. "He actually told the whole team we cannot just turn it on and turn it off. He said we need to be always on, especially in a game like this."

Ale certainly took that to heart, scoring from near and far, on jumpers, drives and free throws. His biggest basket came with 5:44 remaining, when he swished a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give Kahuku the lead for good at 55-54.

He hit another 3-pointer with 3:12 left to make it 62-55, and the Red Raiders went on to end the game with an 11-4 run.

Ale also nailed a 3-pointer at the end of the third period to put Kahuku up 50-44.

Campbell (10-2) had taken the first-half lead after the teams spent the first two quarters running up and down the floor trading baskets.

"We noticed (the Sabers) were real scrappy in the first half, so in the second half we went to a halfcourt trap to try and slow their momentum," Ale said. "We wanted to limit their possessions and always try to keep the ball in our hands."

Ale's performance was reminiscent of two others by East standouts in the past 12 years. In 2003, Kaimuki's Daniel Tautofi scored 37 points in a quadruple-overtime victory over Moanalua. And in 1994, Kalaheo's Alika Smith scored a career-high 43 points in a victory over Kaimuki.

CAMPBELL (10-2) 9 22 13 15 — 59

KAHUKU (12-1) 14 15 21 23 — 73

CAMPBELL — Raymond Samante 0, Ryan Hayes 8, Matthew Samante 0, Michael McDonald 2, Jayden Delizo 0, Tristan Sealy 18, Walter Daniels 4, Sean Kelley 0, Dexter Vanhook 6, Terrance Tafai 2, Mike Makinano 19. Totals 19 18-26 59.

KAHUKU—Pele Soliai 0, Kaulin Krebs 0, Iona Teriipaia 0, Devin Unga 12, Shiloh Te'o 3, Junior Ale 38, Tiave Oto 0, Kevin Unga 9, Manti Te'o 6, Kameron Krebs 2, Jacob Kahawai'i 3, Anthony Siilata 0. Totals 25 18-29 73. 3-point goals — Campbell 3 (Makinano 2, Hayes); Kahuku 5 (Ale 5).

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.