Ricardo Blas and Emanueal Parks each scored 15 points Wednesday night, and Keaau never looked back after a suffocating start, turning back Ka’u 53-31 in a BIIF boys basketball game in Pahala.
The Cougars (1-1) led 12-0 after the first quarter, increasing their advantage to 28-7 at halftime.
John Gunny Ramirez scored scored six points and Israel Keaulana-Balgas had five.
The Trojans lost their opener, getting nine points from Dayson Burns and six from Michael Rodarte.
In JV, Ka’u won 48-39.
Kohala 42, Kealakehe 35: The Cowboys went on the road to win their opener, dropping the Waveriders to 1-1.
In JV, Kealakehe won 59-43.
Tuesday
Konawaena 52, Pahoa 43: Kainoa Jones scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds to help the Wildcats finally shake off the Daggers at Hilo Civic and win their opener.
Jaydan Broad-Melander led the Daggers (1-1) with 11 points, including a 3-pointer with 2:40 remaining in the game that cut Pahoa’s deficit to 46-43.
After a turnover, Konawaena forced a stop, and Kahiau Holzgrove was fouled and made his first free throw to make it two-possession game. He missed the second free throw, but the Wildcats grabbed the rebound, leading to Kamaehu Makanui’s layup for a 49-43 lead. Jones’ three-point play accounted for the game’s final points, shooting 6 of 13.
Makanui scored 10 points with four rebounds, and Coby Molina had six points and six rebounds.
Barreon Holland had 1o points and 10 rebounds for Pahoa.
Konawaena’s JV won 61-39.
Hawaii Prep 57, St. Joseph 17: Zander Laros scored 14 points in Waimea as Ka Makani eased to victory in the opener for both teams.
Johnathan Eftink scored five points for the Cardinals, who trailed 40-7 at the half.