Make your free throws, everyone.
Keaau coach Jun Pagala doesn’t have to tell it to his players anymore.
They gained positive reinforcement Friday night when they pulled through in overtime to keep a strong head of steam in the BIIF Division I boys basketball race.
Ricky Blas scored 14 points Friday and Patrick Mears added 10 as the Cougars scored all five of its points in OT from the charity stripe to edge Kealakehe 48-47 at their gym.
John Gunny Ramirez sank a free throw near the end of regulation to tie the game.
Riding Howard Robert and his 27 points, the Waveriders (2-7) led 23-19 at the half as they looked for their first win against a D-I team this season.
The game was tight throughout and Keaau (5-3) went ahead by one entering the fourth quarter after finally getting the lead in during latter part of the third quarter on a free throw by Mears.
Blas and Branden Pagala each made two free throws in OT.
Noah Grace finished with 11 points for Kealakehe.
The Cougars have won four of five to further themselves from the bottom of D-I as they get set to hit the road.
Keaau visits Hawaii Prep on Monday at Konawaena on Wednesday.
The junior varsity game was close as well, with Keaau winning 46-44.
Kohala 64, Ka’u 45: O’Shen Cazimero scored 25 points as the Cowboys (6-1) used a strong start to cruise to victory in Kapaau.
Izaiah Pilanca-Emmsley led in the scoring column for the Trojans (3-7), who trailed 40-23 at the half.
In JV, Kohala won 55-46
Girls
Kealakehe 50, Kohala 21: The Waveriders (6-4) won at home to clinch the final Division I playoff berth.
The Cowgirls (1-8) finish the regular season Tuesday at Honokaa and with a win they can force a play-in game against Hawaii Prep for the final D-II postseason berth.
