In a classic face-off between speed and power, fleet-footed 'Aiea outlasted bruising McKinley, 68-59, to capture the O'ahu Interscholastic Association White Conference (Division II) championship last night at McKinley.

"This means a lot, a whole lot, to us," Na Ali'i head coach Wyatt Tau said. "I don't really know the history of 'Aiea basketball, but I know these guys, and I know they're happy right now."

Obie Woods scored 21 points and Josh Chung added 20 — the two combining for six game-altering 3-pointers — to lead Na Ali'i (13-1).

The Tigers (9-6), who battled back from a 13-point deficit in the first half, were led by Nainoa Lessary's 23 points. Jonathan Lee chipped in with 11 points.

Na Ali'i jumped to an early lead behind the hot shooting of Woods and a frenetic full-court press that rattled the Tigers into four consecutive turnovers to start the game.

Woods matched the Tigers' first-quarter offensive output by himself, scoring on a 3-pointer and two baseline jumpers as 'Aiea cruised to a 13-7 lead in the first period.

In the second period, Eric James stuffed McKinley's Oliver Diguc at the top of the key and fed Woods for a transition jumper, capping a 8-1 run for 'Aiea.

Later, with a minute remaining in the period, Jared McKee hit a 3-pointer while falling down in the right corner to give 'Aiea its biggest lead of the game, 30-17. A layup by the Tigers' Lee cut the deficit to 11 going into the half.

Both teams could have considered themselves lucky to exit the half where they were, as each was only able to convert a third of their free-throw attempts. 'Aiea shot 3 for 9 from the line; McKinley was 4 for 12.

McKinley was able to maximize its size advantage to start the second half, dominating the offensive boards and scoring in the post. Meanwhile, 'Aiea's aggressive press was blunted by five foul calls in less than two minutes. Woods picked up his third foul on a strip attempt just 1:09 into the quarter, and was forced to the bench.

McKinley continued its physical play early in the fourth as Lee sparked an 8-0 run.

With the Tigers trailing, 55-47, Lee snagged a one-armed rebound and scored the putback. On the other side of the court, McKinley's Diguc blocked a layup attempt by Falealii Tausaga, eventually leading to another score by Lee on an explosive baseline move that brought the Tigers within four points.

It was as close as the Tigers would get against 'Aiea's team of Magic Eight Balls, which seemed to have an answer for every challenge last night. Chung snuffed the Tiger's run with a 23-foot 3-pointer.

Later, Woods scored a lay-up off a beautiful 30-foot bounce pass from James Buchanan, and combined with Chung to hit 4-of-4 free throws in the last minute to seal the game.

"I keep telling (Woods) that he's good," Tau said. "He's versatile. He can play any position on the court.

"Josh can score, Ryan (Mora) can score, James (Buchanan) can score, but when it gets down to the end of the game, it's got to be Obie," Tau said.

The victory marked a headspinning reversal of fortune for Na Ali'i. They were heavily favored but lost to Thompson, 62-60, in the first round of the playoffs last week. They were allowed to advance when it was discovered that Thompson had used an ineligible player.

Last night was the second meeting between 'Aiea and McKinley this season. Last month, Na Ali'i edged the Tigers 69-64.

"McKinley came to play, came to fight," Tau said. "I have to congratulate them because they'd played a great game. They're really tough."

MCKINLEY (9-6) 7 12 24 16 — 59

'AIEA (13-1) 13 17 22 16 — 68

MCKINLEY — Jelani Thabiti 0, Tilton Kaluna 5, Bryce Ishikawa 0, Ryan Flordeliza 0, Jefferson Pou 0, Julius Borje 1, Earvin Sione 8, Nainoa Lessary 24, Rey Vincent Enanoria 3, Jonathan Lee 11, Ian Paez 0, Isaac Iuta 2, Travis Asing 0, Austin Yoon 0, Oliver Diguc 5. Totals 21 16-29 59.

'AIEA — Lofa Liilii 6, Ryan Mora 4, Kory Naeole 2, Jarred McKee 5, Alan Fonoti 0, Josh Chung 20, Eric James 2, Lawrence Lagafuina 0, Spencer Rogers 0, Jordan Sakamoto 0, James Buchanan 4, Aldodius Colquitt 2, Latupu Famuina 0, Zack Hanneman 2, Obie Woods 21, Miah Tausaga 0. Totals 25 11-22 68. 3-point goals: McKinley 1 (Kaluna). 'Aiea 7 (Chung 4, Woods 2, McKee).

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.