State D-I girls basketball: Waiakea, Konawaena reach opposite side of semis

RICK OGATA photo Waiakea's Kelsie Imai shoots against Konawaena during the BIIF finals.
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BIIF teams make up half of the final four at the state girls Division I basketball tournament in Honolulu.

At Moanalua High’s gym, Waiakea smothered Lahainaluna 37-36, holding the Lunas to 22 percent shooting from the field as Kelsie Imai scored 13 points to lead the way.

Destynee Williams and Tayvia Cabatbat added six points each, and Bethany Honma, and Keeli-Jade Smith each had five points for the Warriors, shot just 38 percent from the floor, including 0 of 6 from 3-point range.

Taylor Eldredge scored 14 points, and former HPA player, Kyana Brucelas, came off the bench, played 11 minutes and went scoreless for the Lunas, who hit 5 of 15 from long distance.

BIIF runner-up Waiakea (12-2) plays defending state champion Iolani (14-1) in the semifinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Neal Blaisdell Center on OC16.

Konawaena 40, King Kekaulike 37: Kaliana Salazar-Harrell scored 23 points, nailing five 3-pointers, to lead the Wildcats into the semifinals at Kalani High’s gym.

Salazar-Harrell had 10 points in the first half, including two 3-pointers. Caiyle Kaupu added six points, and Jayla Medeiros four.

Ledjan Pahukoa scored 1 points to lead the Na Alii (11-6).

No. 2 seed Konawaena (13-0) plays No. 3 seed Kahuku (15-0) in the semifinals at 5 p.m. Friday at Neal Blaisdell Center.