KAILUA-KONA – It’s the time of year when every team on the island seems to be shorthanded, whether it be injury or holiday related. Wednesday’s game pitting Keaau against Kealakehe was no different, with both teams missing three players, including several starters.
The Cougars managed to take charge of the game early as the Waveriders struggled to find their stroke, going 0-for-7 to open the game. Keaau pulled away late in the defensive contest for a 37-25 road victory.
Anela Gonzalez-Tremaine led the Cougars (4-1 BIIF) in scoring. She netted a game high 26 points, as head coach Shawn Fuiava continuously used the rest of the team to set her up in 1-on-1 situations.
“We were trying to teach the girls how to work off what is working for them, and she was working for us tonight, “ Fuiava said. “We are really shorthanded, with three girls who play a lot not playing, and someone had to step up and take control.”
“I gave Anela the challenge to assert herself and it was the perfect opportunity for her to show everyone that she is the player we have been telling her she is,” Fuiava added. “It was a do-or-die game for us in D-I with Kealakehe, and the girls adjusted.”
Kealakehe (1-3) got most of their scoring from Saidah Muhammad, who netted 13 points. She scored eight of the team’s 10 points in the first half despite missing her first four shots.
The Waveriders were without two starters, including their big, Pi’ilani Tupou.
“Being the day after Christmas, we were short three players on varsity and JV and it definitely hurt us,” said Kealakehe first-year head coach Tashauna Macklin. “But in the tournament, Keaau beat us by 30, so despite us being short, the team turned out and had a good run. We just need to work on our shots a little bit.”
Neither team could buy a basket to start the game. Just past the midway point of the first period, Gonzalez-Tremaine put Keaau on the board with a layup. About a minute later, Muhammad scored for Kealakehe. They were the only two players to score in the game’s opening frame, with the Cougars leading 6-5.
In the second period, the ball was spread around more, with six players rolling in one basket each. Keaau led 13-10 at the break.
Gonzalez-Tremaine went off in the third period, scoring 12 points, which included five shots from the field and a pair of free throws.
In the fourth, Kealakehe’s Tiaria Kekuaokalani knocked down the games only only trey, but it was too little, too late for the Waveriders as miscommunication led to the team not fouling over the final minute to end the game.
Both teams are now off until Jan. 4. They will both be at home, with Kealakehe hosting Waiakea and Keaau hosting Konawaena.
Konawaena 57, Kamehameha 21
Konawaena (5-0 BIIF) made quick work of the Warriors on Wednesday behind a 26-point night from Kaliana Salazar-Harrell. Caiyle Kaupu added 12 points.
Dominique Pacheco netted a team high seven points for Kamehameha (2-4).
Hilo 71, Honokaa 16: The Vikings (3-1) won the road, dropping the Dragons to 0-2.