As the old saying goes, “Three’s a crowd,” and the Hilo High girls basketball team has been the one left without a chair when the music stops during the BIIF postseason.
The Vikings reached the Division I state tournament from 2013 to 2017 as the BIIF runner-up when they were powered by the Kawaha sisters, Mandi and Mindy, who are both playing ball for UH-Hilo.
Hilo’s BIIF season-opener was to be Tuesday at Pahoa, but it was rescheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the Vikings Gym.
After the Vikings’ five-year state run, they’ve sat home from 2018 to 2020 as Waiakea made a rise to power, upsetting Konawaena in 2019 for the BIIF title and breaking the Wildcats’ 10-year string of league crowns.
Hilo last won a BIIF title in 1996.
It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. But the Vikings may have their best chance this season with the transfer of former Waiakea guards Ayana and Alexa Meyer, the daughters of former Honokaa coach Cheyenne Meyer.
“They’re a big addition,” coach Cliff Kawaha said. “Our team lost a lot of seniors. We have a lot to work on as far as experience and playing together.”
It also helps to have talented two-time All-BIIF first team 5-foot-9 forward Keirstyn Agonias in her senior season. The Vikings also return senior guard Veda Galima and 5-10 junior forward Kalea Harris.
“Keirstyn is ready to play and Veda, too. She looks hungry this year,” Kawaha said. “Keirstyn will help us inside with her height. Veda looks good as far as her basketball IQ. It’s a lot better and so is her ball-handling. Kalea will help us inside, and we’ll see how it goes.”
Hilo’s recent BIIF semifinals history includes tough, agonizing losses:
• 2020: Waiakea defeated Hilo 54-50 in overtime at Hilo Civic as seniors Mindy Kawaha, Tatiana Rideout, and Jamila Collins-Ebanez missed out on states. They went as freshmen in 2017. Agonias had a star-bright night with 18 points on 6 of 10 shooting, and Hilo shot 50% from the field.
• 2019: Konawaena won a defensive battle 37-33 at Ellison Onizuka Gym, where the Wildcats jumped out to a 14-4 lead and iced the game at the free throw line.
• 2018: Waiakea eliminated Hilo 55-49 at Hilo Civic, where Kelsie Imai grabbed center stage with 13 points and nine rebounds, and freshman Jazelle Dorser had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Of course, the key for the Vikings is to secure the No. 2 seed to the BIIF playoffs. That way they avoid the No. 1 seed (usually Konawaena) until the BIIF championship.
“We’ve got a good chance his season. I don’t know how the other teams are looking,” Kawaha said. “We’ve got a whole bunch of new girls now. It should be an interesting season.”
Uncle Cliff also has had proud moments as his nieces, Mandi and Mindy Kawaha, continue to shine for the Vulcans, who are ranked fifth in the West Region poll and have won three straight.
On Sunday, UHH upset No. 5 Alaska Anchorage 76-73 in overtime at Hilo Civic, where Mandi scored the go-ahead layup, then Mindy stole the inbound pass and dropped in a left-handed layup.
“I hope they keep on going with a winning streak,” Uncle Cliff said. “I don’t take any credit for that. They’ve been playing since they were small kids. That’s their experience of playing.
“The best part is seeing them growing up, coaching them on the high school level, and watching them play.”