After a slow start, a dominant third quarter lifted the Konawaena Wildcats to a 40-21 victory in their HHSAA D-I semifinal contest against Lahainaluna on Friday.
Konawaena senior Kaliana Salazar-Harrell led the way, pouring in a game-high 27 points on 10 for 13 shooting, including 4 for 6 from beyond the arc. While they were waiting for the offense to click, a stingy performance by the Wildcat defense kept them in the game early. At halftime, the Wildcats held a 15-14 lead.
Konawaena (11-0) held the Lunas to just 16.3% shooting on the night; Lahainaluna made just seven shots all game.
Salazar-Harrell’s 10 field goals were just two fewer than her teammates and the Lunas combined to hit.
Kayla Pak and Braelyn Kaui added eight points and five points, respectively, for Konawaena. The Wildcats advance to face Iolani – who defeated Campbell 54-39 in the second semifinal contest – in the HHSAA Division I championship Saturday night. Tip time at the Neal Blaisdell Center is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Iolani will seek its third consecutive title, while Konawaena eyes it ninth overall in what will be its 14th title game appearance since 2004.