Kamehameha’s reconstructed girls basketball team navigated the regular season just the way coach Dominic Pacheco drew it up: by finishing undefeated against D-II teams.
Kaulanena Martin scored 11 points Monday night and the Warriors beat Kohala 39-25 to clinch the the top seed in the BIIF Division II girls tournament.
The Warriors (6-4), who surged to 16-2 lead over the Cowgirls after the first quarter, will secure the outright regular season title and the automatic berth to the state tournament that goes with it if Honokaa loses any of its three remaining games. The Dragons are at Konawaena (8-1) on Thursday.
The Warriors are 5-0 against D-II foes and likely will face either Hawaii Prep (1-8) or the Kohala (1-6) in the BIIF semifinals Jan. 25 at Konawaena.
Ka Makani can bolster their playoff hopes with a win Wednesday at home at winless Pahoa. The Cowgirls have three game remaining: home against Hilo, at Kealakehe and at Honokaa.
Waiakea 65, Hawaii Prep 19: Destynee Williams, and Zaelynn Lui-Cabintan each scored 10 points in Waimea as the Warriors (8-1) moved one win away from clinching the top seed in the D-I playoffs.
Kyana Brucelas led Ka Makani with seven points.
Waiakea, which finishes the regular season Jan. 22 at Keaau, led 43-7 at halftime.
Hilo 97, Pahoa 7: Jamila Collins-Ebanez scored 18 points to lead five Vikings in double figures at their gym.
Asia Castillo and Samm Brewer each scored 17 points, and Veda Galima and Teijah Rosas-Suenishi each had 10 apiece for Hilo (8-1).
April Gamponia scored six for the Daggers (0-9).
Kealakehe 44, Ka’u 39: The Waveriders won in Pahala to stay on the heels of Keaau for the final playoff spot in D-I.
Kealakehe (5-4) closes the regular season Friday at home against Kohala, while the Cougars (4-3) visit Honokaa (3-4) in a big game for them Tuesday, followed by a trip to Ka’u on Thursday and the finale against Waiakea.
The Trojans (3-6) most likely will face the Dragons in the BIIF semifinals.
