HILO — Drama ensued during Honoka‘a and Waiakea girls basketball’s game on Friday night in Hilo town.
With the Dragons and Warriors battling in overtime with 17.2 seconds remaining, Waiakea’s coaching staff stepped onto the floor to challenge a referee’s call — ultimately resulting in a technical foul. When the Warriors’ staff refused to return to the bench, the game was called off with the same time remaining, giving the Dragons the 53-51 win.
Honoka‘a’s Telia Laeli, who has averaged nearly 18 points per game in the early season, added a team-high 24 points. Teammates Aubrie Tabiesa and Megan Murakane pitched in nine points each for the Dragons.
On the Warriors’ side, Kaya Texiera scored a game-high 19 points, while teammate Shaylee Kahauolopua added 13.
Following the unprecedented win, Honoka‘a will next take the court at 6 p.m. Tuesday against the Hilo Lady Vikings on the road. Waiakea seeks redemption against Kohala at 6 p.m. tonight in Kapa‘au.
Other scores
Ka‘u and Kohala girls basketball partook in the Sacred Hearts Invitational Tournament over the weekend on Oahu.
On Friday night, the Trojans fell to Sacred Hearts 43-25, but rebounded quickly on Saturday against McKinley — winning 48-15.
For the Cowgirls, the black and gold fell to Hawaii Baptist Academy 43-29, beat Pearl City 46-32 Friday and bested Lanai 47-34 on Saturday.
Against Hawaii Baptist, Kalia Marquez of the Cowgirls added 11 points. The Eagles’ Sierra Ramos scored 12.
Against Pearl City, Kohala’s Halia Perez-Bobek and Loryn-Rose Carvalho combined for 21 points. On the Chargers’ side, Aiyanna Parker finished with a game-high 12 points.
The paper was unable to locate the top scorers for the other games mentioned.
Ka‘u will next travel to Kea‘au to take on the Cougars at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Junior varsity will play first.
Kohala hosts Waiakea tonight in King Kamehameha Park Gymnasium.
