KAILUA-KONA — Very early on, it looked like Konawaena might be in for a game against westside rival Kealakehe on Wednesday night.
It didn’t stay that way for long.
After being knotted at 4-4 early , the Wildcats outscored the Waveriders handily the rest of the way — allowing just one point in the second and third quarters combined — cruising to a comfortable 54-12 victory.
Konawaena is off to a 2-0 start to the BIIF season, having beaten Ka‘u in its BIIF opener earlier this week 66-12.
Caiyle Kaupu led the way for the Wildcats with 21 points, while Kaliana Salazar-Harrell added 12.
Pi’ilani Tupou had a team-high 5 points for Kealakehe.
The Wildcats came away from their own preseason tournament 0-2 last weekend, with losses to Kalani and Lahainaluna — both tough squads which will likely be state tournament contenders.
But with a young roster that features a group of talented freshman and no seniors, each game serves as a big learning experience for Konawaena, regardless of the final score.
The Wildcats’ legendary win streak against BIIF foes currently sits at 118-0, but will be tested against Kohala on the road on Friday and versus an upstart Hilo squad on Monday in Kealakekua.
Keaau 48, Kohala 22: Hannah Schmaltz made five 3-pointers and scored 15 points and Anela Gonzalez-Tremaine added 10 as the Cougars eased their way to a home win in the BIIF opener for each team.
Keaau led 19-9 at the break.
Laila Caravalho led the Cowgirls with nine points.
In JV, Keaau won 23-17.
Waiakea 67, Ka’u 12: Kelsie Imai scored 14 points and Tayvia Cabatbat added 10 as the host Warriors jumped out to a 35-2 lead after the first quarter and rolled to a 2-0 start.
Alyssa Bivings scored six for the Trojans (0-2).
In JV, Waiakea won 52-10.
