There are tougher tests ahead, but so far so good for Honokaa in its foray back to Division I girls basketball.
There are tougher tests ahead, but so far so good for Honokaa in its foray back to Division I girls basketball.
Kizzah Maltezo scored 19 points Tuesday night at Honokaa Armory, and the Dragons defeated Waiakea 50-28, improving to 4-0 in the BIIF.
Kawena Kaohimaunu chipped in with 14 points for Honokaa, which took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 19-7.
Freshman Madison Hwang scored nine points for Waiakea (1-1).
The Dragons have two more tuneups before welcoming defending state champion Konawaena for a game at Honokaa on Jan. 12. The other big Division I game marked on Honokaa’s calendar is a Jan. 26 visit to Hilo.
The Dragons lost their matchups with the Wildcats and Vikings in the preseason.
If nothing else, the win against Waiakea could go a long way in helping Honokaa avoid the fourth seed – and a possible win-or-else matchup with Konawaena – in the BIIF tournament.
In junior varsity, Honokaa won 25-19.
Waiakea 9 7 7 5 – 28
Honokaa 10 11 19 10–50
Ka’u 59, Pahoa 50, 3OT: Reishalyn Kekoa led four Trojans scorers in double figures with 13 points, and visiting Ka’u finally put away the Daggers in triple overtime for its first victory.
Ema Tua led all scorers with 14 points for Pahoa (0-4), which fought back from a eight-point halftime deficit, finally catching up in the fourth as the drama was just getting started.
Kianie Medeiros-Dancel and Deisha Gascon finished with 11 points apiece for Ka’u (1-3).
Neither team established itself through the first two OTs, but the Trojans stifled the Daggers in the third overtime, holding them to a point. Bea Padrigo had 10 for Ka’u.
Heavenly Kahalewai-Ke (11 points) and Faith Manuel-Kamakeeaina (10) also scored in double figures for Pahoa.
Pahoa’s JV won 41-13.
Ka’u 13 13 5 4 7 7 10 – 59
Pahoa 7 11 10 7 7 7 1 –50
Hilo 69, Keaau 5: Mandi Kawaha scored 16 points and Lexi Pana added 13 as the Vikings (2-0) cruised at home.
Kierstyn Yamamoto had three for the Cougars (1-2).
Hilo won the JV game 54-8.
Keaau 3 0 2 0 – 5
Hilo 21 21 19 8 –69