The Hilo boys basketball team is known for playing an uptempo game on offense and a pressing man-to-man defense.
The Vikings threw a strategic changeup against Kamehameha in a BIIF Division I showdown on Monday night at their gym, running a half-court spread offense and relying on a 2-3 zone.
They struggled with their perimeter shooting, hitting just 28 percent (19 of 29) from the field, but beat the Warriors 53-45 at their gym.
The zone was by necessity. The Warriors are much taller, and Hilo wanted to protect the rim. The spread was effective because the Viks repeatedly beat Kamehameha off the dribble.
“They did a good job on defense against our set offense,” Hilo coach Bruce Ferreira said. “We did a great job spreading the court, taking care of the ball and knocking down free throws.”
Rayson Padilla scored 18 points, sinking 11 of 17 free throws, and Kaukahi Alameda added 14 points for the Vikings (1-0), who only hit free throws in the fourth quarter, 15 of 20.
Izayah Chartrand-Penera scored 13 points, and Koby Tabuyo-Kahele added 11 points for the Warriors (0-1), who shot 33 percent (14 of 42) from the field.
In the fourth quarter, the Viks went to their small lineup (Alameda, Padilla, Mason Galima, Guyson Ogata, and JR Solmerin), their best ball-handlers.
They stretched the floor, milked the clock and consistency beat the Warriors off the dribble for rim attacks or kickouts. Hilo often got to the line and finished 23 of 37.
“Padilla is going to be special, and he’s only a sophomore,” Ferreira said. “I called him home after the Konawaena game (a 53-44 preseason win), and his mom said he was outside shooting baskets.
“Kaukahi is our floor general. He’s become the team leader I’ve been waiting for. Mason is tough as nails. He was playing against the trees and handling the ball.”
The Viks had only four turnovers, including only one in the third quarter and none in the final eight minutes.
Alameda, Padilla, and Galima stationed themselves near midcourt. When one ball-handler faced pressure or a trap, they passed off and the Warriors kept chasing Hilo’s tail. It’s tough to make a comeback when the other team doesn’t cough up the ball.
Kamehameha struggled with ball security and committed 18 turnovers, including seven in the fourth period. It’s tough to stage a comeback when you’re giving the ball right back.
The Warriors also left too many points on the free throw line. They went 11 of 24. It’s tough and next to impossible to rally when free points are left on the court.
The closest Kamehameha got was 41-38 after Rydge Ishii hit a 3-pointer with under six minutes.
But the Viks didn’t panic. They maintained their poise, and Padilla stuck pins in Kamehameha with his dribbling skills. He raced to the rim on Hilo’s next two possessions and drew fouls. He went 3 of 4 on free throws to stretch the lead to 44-39 with 5:26 left.
Hilo closed the game on the free throw line, going 4 for 6 for the final margin.
In the first half, Hilo shot just 30 percent (9 of 30) from the floor but led 25-24 at the break, playing for the last shot with 1:29 remaining.
The Viks’ patience paid off when they drew a mismatch with speedy guard Solmerin against Warrior big Yasso, who’s 6 feet 1.
Solmerin dribbled past him, missed his layup attempt but was fouled. He sank both free throws with 8.8 seconds to go until halftime.
Darius Olloway used his 6-3 frame to score six points, all on putbacks. The Vikings blocked out better in the second half and allowed just one putback.
Then Hilo went to its spread in the second half and put on a dribbling clinic for its season opening victory.
Girls
Waiakea 67, Ka’u 17: Keeli-Jade Smith led a balanced scoring effort with 13 points in Pahala and Ayana Meyers and Bethany Honma each added 10.
Destynee Williams scored nine points for the Warriors (2-0), which raced to a 42-11 lead at the half, and Tayvia Cabatbat had six.
Marilou Manantan scored six points for the Trojans (0-1).