Ayana Meyer and her sister Alexa fit right in with the Hilo High girls basketball team, scoring 16 and 12 points, respectively, to lead the Vikings to a 72-7 BIIF win over Pahoa on Wednesday at their gym.
Keirstyn Agonias used her 5-foot-9 frame to added 12 points in the paint for the Vikings (1-0), who timed Pahoa’s dribble and poked the ball away to force 29 turnovers. Veda Galima added 10 points, and Tiffany Castillo came off the bench and had eight points.
Ayana Meyer, a senior guard, was glad to be back after COVID-19 canceled last season. She’s made a smooth transition after transferring from Waiakea.
“It was good to get back out on the court,” she said. “I like our team chemistry, and it feels good to play with this team. We have good team chemistry on and off the court.
“I just focused and know my strength, and shoot the ball when I’m open.”
Hilo had just four turnovers, all in the second half when the running clock kicked in.
The Vikings showed a willingness to share the ball and took open shots. Mostly, they hounded the Daggers, forced turnovers and formed a conga line of easy layups.
Ayana Meyer opened with three straight baskets, a layup, a bank shot and a putback. Agonias hit a layup off a fourth straight turnover for an 8-0 lead. Ayana Meyer scored another layup off a turnover, and Alexa Meyer drilled a 3-pointer for a 15-0 cushion.
Kuuipo Sylva was fouled and hit 1 of 2 free throws. She later hit 2 of 2 free throws before Hilo closed with a 13-0 run, capped by Galima’s layup for a 34-3 lead.
Sylva scored six points, including a 3-pointer, and Azariya Brown sank one free throw for the Daggers (0-1), who struggled against Hilo’s ball pressure.
Late in the second quarter, sophomore forward Quinn Waiki scored six straight points to give Hilo a 55-6 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Kalea Harris scored on a putback, Alexa Meyer hit her second 3-pointer, Agonias scored close to the basket, and Castillo scored to cap a 9-0 run.
Galima opened the fourth quarter with a 3-ball, Brown sank 1 of 2 free throws, then Kayzee Somerin scored, Harris drained 1 of 2 free throws and Agonias hit a jump shot for the final score.