I’ll be posting notes tonight from the Kaiser girls basketball tournament. Konawaena has just eight players in uniform, but is playing champonship-level hoops.
Chanelle Molina, who committed to Washington State recently, is superb. So are Celena Jane Molina, Cherilyn Molina and Ihi Victor. The Wildcats lead Punahou at the half 33-19.
It was 16-12 before Chanelle Molina got a steal for a layup, and a 3-point swisher.
Punahou has Va’e Malufau and Tyra Moe back. Staying in the game via open threes.
Konawaena 52, Punahou 29, end third quarter. Wildcats get a backdoor cut layup by Victor, assist Chanelle Molina. Then Cherilyn Molina splits the defense for a fastbreak layup. No letting up.
Final: Konawaena 68, Punahou 30.
Chatted with the Konawaena players afterward. They’re tight-knit as a team but very relaxed, too. They don’t play Lahainaluna in this Kaiser tourney, but usually meet the Lady Lunas at the Konawaena Winter Classic.
Chanelle Molina said that the dengue fever situation on the Big Island is having an effect on the tournament. Maryknoll dropped out and Lahainaluna hasn’t confirmed either way yet.
Konawaena still has a busy holiday season ahead. There’s the ‘Iolani Classic, and then the Wildcats will travel to Washington, D.C.
What a life!
Lahainaluna led Kaiser at the half 46-23. Lot of stoppages due to wet floor caused by humidity. Sticky tonight.
Final: Lahainaluna 70, Kaiser 48
Had a good chat with Lunas coach Todd Rickard. He said the team will definitely travel to Kona for the Wildcats’ tourney in two weeks.
“We made a commitment to play. I think if it was the other way around, Bobbie (Awa) would still bring her team.”
Rickard said the three teams that have dropped out due to concerns about dengue fever are Hawaii Baptist, ‘Iolani and Maryknoll.
Lahainaluna will be in a field with Honokaa, Kamehameha-Hawaii and host Konawaena.
The Lunas will host their own tourney in the coming week, then come to Honolulu again for the ‘Iolani Classic.
How did they look tonight? Very good. Fiamea Hafoka and Cameron Fernandez are attacking the basket, and they have depth at every position.
“We’re real hungry,” Hafoka said. “Especially after losing in the finals twice.”
Punahou 40, Leilehua 23, end third quarter
Buffanblu starting to find some chemistry and flow offensively against a Leilehua salad with some size and toughness. not sure who #14 is, but she will give the Mules a solid low-post offense this season.
Punahou first-year head coach Liz Kam had her team in a full-court press for a few possessions in the third quarter and it was effective. Getting a lot out of the reserves.
Final: Punahou 61, Leilehua 40.
Here are a few scores from around Oahu:
Thursday, Nov. 19
Lee Cashman Tournament
Sacred Hearts 47, Maryknoll I-AA 38
Mid-Pacific 44, Kamehameha I-AA 30
Punahou I-AA 40, Kapolei 31
Damien 47, Kalaheo 38
Ted Fukushima Tournament
Lahainaluna 70, Punahou 67
Konawaena 65, ‘Iolani 31
Leilehua 45, King Kekaulike 18
Kaiser 45. Honokaa 36
Friday, Nov. 20
Lee Cashman Tournament
Kamehameha I-AA 38, Kalaheo 34
Kapolei 45, Maryknoll I-AA 43
Sacred Hearts 61, Punahou I-AA 25
Ted Fukushima Tournament
Honokaa 40, Kahuku 37
Lahainaluna 72, ‘Iolani 66
King Kekaulike 40, St. Francis 32
Punahou 59, Kaiser 35
Saturday, Nov. 21
Ted Fukushima Tournament
‘Iolani 71, Kahuku 37
Konawaena 65, Kaiser 48
Leilehua 39, Honokaa 33
Kahuku 56, King Kekaulike 43
Konawaena 68, Punahou 40
Lahainaluna 70, Kaiser 48
Punahou 61, Leilehua 40
Kalaheo’s Lee Cashman tournament
Maryknoll II 64, Kalaheo 50
Kamehameha II 42, Kapolei 29, Consolation
Damien 51, Punahou II 35, 3rd Place
Sacred Hearts 44, Mid-Pacific 34, Championship
This is for all those posters that say neighbor Island teams can’t compete with the elite ILH athletes. Welcome to the world of Girls High school basketball where the neighbor Island teams dominate!!!! Hmmmm, lets see, maybe we should have more outer Island teams added to the State tournament??? Lol, no, keep it the same because our teams compete for the right and honor to represent our BIIF and MIL. Maybe some of you who continue to demand outer Island teams play in Division II instead of DI, take a piece of your own medecine because the neighbor Island Girls teams are here to stay!!
What an epiphany! Neighbor Island Girls Teams can’t dominate. Everyone knows that. Thought that Konawaena, Honokaa, Lahainaluna, all sucked for the last 10 years.