The Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) recently released its All-League teams for the 2025-26 girls basketball season, and plenty of big-name stars received recognition.
Konawaena headlined the BIIF Division I First Team, as senior guard Mikela Salazar-Harrell was named DI Player of the Year. Salazar-Harrell was a pass-first player that always looked to make the right play for the Wildcats, but still managed to lead the team in scoring — averaging nearly 14 points per game against the BIIF. She scored in double figures 10 times throughout the year, including a season-best 21 points against Pahoa in Dec. 2025.
Kona head coach Bobbie Awa was named DI Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to a second straight unbeaten season in the conference (22-3 overall, 13-0 BIIF). The green and white won yet another island title, trouncing Waiakea 53-16 during the Jan. 28 BIIF DI championship. Kona fell to Iolani in the state semifinals narrowly, losing 42-41.
But Salazar-Harrell and Awa weren’t the only Wildcats recognized, as teammates Kaylie Yamasaki, Ki‘ilei Leileiwi and Casey Kaupu were named to the team for their unselfish play and willingness to buy into Awa’s defensive system.
In island play, Kona averaged nearly 64 points per game while allowing under 13 — playing some of the most complete basketball in the entire state.
Waiakea freshman phenom Arieana Doran was additionally named, as the first-year star averaged nearly 13 points per game in the BIIF this season, including a season-high 30 points against Hawaii Prep in Nov. 2025. Doran scored over 20 points three times for Waiakea this season. The Warriors finished with an impressive 12-2 record in league play and second in BIIF Division I, averaging 44.4 points per game while allowing under 30. They fell to Mililani in the opening round of the HHSAA playoffs.
Hilo, which finished 8-5 against the BIIF, had top scorer Malia Simram make the first team. The senior averaged 8.3 points per game for the Vikings, including a season-high 18 points against Kea‘au in Dec. 2025. Hilo fell 45-34 to Waiakea in the Jan. 26 island semifinals. The team averaged 37.2 points per game.
Soriano and
Cowgirls lead DII
Like in Division I, the BIIF DII First Team was dominated by the champions, as Kohala received strong representation.
The Cowgirls clinched their second consecutive island title after beating Kamehameha-Hawaii 55-51 in the DII championship. Beating Aiea in the opening round of the state tournament, fifth-seeded Kohala then fell 49-43 to Lanai in the quarterfinals.
The Cowgirls finished 11-7 overall, averaging 45.8 points per game — leading Beau Cazimero to be named DII Coach of the Year.
Kohala guard Adriana Soriano was named BIIF DII Player of the Year after leading the Cowgirls in scoring at 15 points per game against the conference. In the BIIF title game against the Warriors, Soriano scored a season-best 25 points. The senior scored in double digits 11 times.
Soriano’s teammate, sophomore center Chawai Dunhour, was also named to the team. Dunhour was the Cowgirls’ second-leading scorer, averaging 12.2 points per game. She scored a season-high 21 points against Kaiser in the state consolation tournament, and dropped 18 against KSH in the BIIF DII championship. With Soriano graduating this spring, Dunhour is expected to be the black and gold’s leading scorer next season.
Halia Perez-Bobek, Kohala’s No. 3 option, was additionally named to the list. The senior averaged 8.6 points per game against the BIIF, including a season-high 16 points twice against HPA and Ka‘u.
BIIF DII runner-up KSH also received representation, as the Warriors finished 8-3 on the island and earned a state tournament berth. Top scorer Shailan Benevides was named to the first team after averaging 12.2 points per game. The sophomore guard scored a season-high 22 points against Baldwin during a Nov. 2025 preseason tournament game. Benevides also scored 17 against Kohala in the BIIF championship.
Benevides’ teammate, No. 2 option Peyton Kalai, also made the team. The freshman scored a career-high 20 points against Ka‘u on Jan. 16.
Rounding out the BIIF DII team was Pahoa point guard Sophia Moniz, who averaged a team-best 18.2 points per game. The sophomore scored a season-best 27 points against Waiakea on Jan. 14.
The Daggers fell to Kohala in the island semifinals.
Honorable mentions
Division I
• Konawaena: Angelie Molina, Kayzia James
• Hilo: Harley Cabreros, Bryia Carenio
• Kea‘au: Coco Hunt, Tiani Kaupu
• Hilo: Carly Akaka, Tianna Cabbab, Kyani Samson
Division II
• Kohala: Ilima Napoleon, Mele Cazimero, Loryn Rose-Carvalho
• KSH: Shaylie Martinez
• Pahoa: Remedy Gonzalez
• HPA: Rosey Wawner
• Honoka‘a: Ava Tabucbuc
• CLA: Mikaili Barretto Payomo
