Hilo’s start was not what coach Ben Pana had in mind.
But with their trademark pressure defense as their catalyst, the Vikings wiped away their sluggishness and used a big push before halftime to put away rival Waiakea.
Alexis Pana scored 23 points as the Vikings cruised to a 60-29 victory in Big Island Interscholastic Federation girls basketball at the Warriors’ gym.
“We started off a little sloppy in the beginning and adjusted,” Pana said. “We calmed down on defense and started playing better. The first quarter we were a step behind, but once we got into a groove defensively we were able to control the game.”
Sharlei Graham-Bernisto chipped in with 15 points and Shalyn Guthier added 12 for Hilo, which went on an 18-2 run in the second quarter to run its record to 3-0.
Pana shot 9 of 15 from the field.
“She made some 3-pointers and got out in transition,” Ben Pana said.
Kaydee Rapozo scored eight points for the Warriors (2-1).
In junior varsity, Hilo won 41-13.
Waiakea 9 2 11 7 —29
Hilo 12 18 8 22—60
Honokaa 58, Keaau 29: Kizzah Maltezo scored 13 points at Honokaa Armory and Ulu-Wehi Cordero added nine as the Dragons improved to 2-1.
Ranchell Berinobis led the Cougars (0-3) with 11 points and Vanessa Castro had nine.
Honokaa won the junior varsity game 49-8.
Keaau 3 9 12 5 — 29
Honokaa 18 11 14 15—58
Ka’u 59, Pahoa 42: Bridget Pasion scored 15 points in Pahala and Kerrilynn Domondon added 12 as the Trojans evened their record at 1-1.
Lohe Kaawaloa led the Daggers (0-3) with 13 points and Heavenly Kahalewai-Ke had 11
Pahoa 128715—42
Ka’u 14 17 16 12—59
Boys
Konawaena 70, Laupahoehoe 38: Reyson Ching scored 15 points and Maitland Akau added 12 as the two-time defending Division I champion Wildcats showed a new look and went on the road to win their opener.
“The past two years we had experienced teams and it was more about building credentials for the state tournament,” Konawaena coach Donny Awa said. “This year it’s different. We’re just trying to get better, and we did some of that tonight.”
The Seasiders fell to 1-2.
Konawaena 24 8 19 19—70
Laupahoehoe 6 13 10 9 —38
