Makua Lani spent much of its practice time during the holiday break working on conditioning and set pieces. As the Lions’ match against Hawaii Preparatory Academy wore on Thursday afternoon, they started to reap the benefits.
DJ Madigan scored the equalizer with about 15 minutes remaining and Makua Lani earned a 1-1 draw in a Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II boys soccer match at Old Kona Airport Park.
Both coaches felt the Lions (2-1-1) had the fresher legs, which translated into increased scoring chances during the final third of the match. After a Ka Makani foul, Madigan converted on a free kick from 16 yards out.
“We’ve been working pretty hard on staying in shape,” Makua Lani coach Alex Dong said. “We knew we might need a set piece to score, and DJ is pretty good at them.
“It’s a good result for us. I think the heat got to HPA.”
Justin Perry scored in the 60th minute for Ka Makani (3-0-2).
Dong, a 2009 Makua Lani graduate, is in his first year as coach.
“It’s kind of a transition year,” he said. “We’re trying to establish a program, not just a team.”
Madigan, a freshman, has helped the Lions retool after Elijah Lingenfelder, their leading scorer last season, graduated.
“DJ has scored most of our goals and has really picked up the slack,” Dong said.
In contrast to Makua Lani, HPA coach Rich Braithwaite said many of his players left the island for the holidays, leaving his team “horribly out of shape.”
“It was frustrating,” he said.”Makua Lani attacked with numbers and countered very well.”
Konawaena 6, Kohala 1
John Replogle and Michael Gusman both netted a pair of goals in the Wildcats (3-2-1) convincing win against visiting Kohala (2-6-0). Mahina Elis-Noa and Brandon Howes also scored for Konawaena. Jarren Udac recorded the win in net for the Wildcats.
Daylan Higa was the lone goalscorer for Kohala.
Kealakehe 12, Parker 0
The Kealakehe defense — led by Tyler Deverse, Laukoa Santos, Ari Mench and Cappy Alterman — recorded its third straight shutout and the Waveriders (5-0-0) cruised to a first-half mercy of the visiting Bulls (0-6-0) to remain undefeated.
After scoring three goals in the first seven minutes, Kealakehe did a full lineup change, including starting goalkeeper Greyson Moore. However, the Waveriders offense continued to surge, scoring a BIIF season-high 12 goals in the contest.
Scott Henderson racked up five goals and Daniel Caudell scored two in the win.
Hilo 10, Hawaii Academy of Arts &Science 0
The host Vikings improved to 4-1-1 while Na Naia fell to 0-7. Goalscorers were not available at press time.
Keaau 2, Ka‘u 0
Goals by Spencer Hanza and Justin Quesada helped the Cougars prevail on the road.
Rylan Aranaydo notched the shutout against the Trojans (2-6).
Girls
HPA 9, Makua Lani 0
Ka Makani received goals from eight different players to improve to 5-0.
Marlie Mandaguit, Gabbie Ewing, Teia Knoll, Haley Dow, Bri Vallente, Jordan Grainger, Ella Kotner and Nanea Tavares each found the back of the net for visiting HPA, which also took advantage of an own goal.
Morgan Monahan and Taimane Kamaka combined to shut out the Lions (1-4).
Keaau 9, Ka‘u 0
Sisters Tiani and Tori Teanio each bagged a hat trick in Pahala to carry the Cougars.
Meliana Avid-Pauole scored twice and Brianne Au had one goal as Keaau evened its record at 2-2-1.
Goalkeeper Savannah Hester shut out the Trojans (0-7).
Basketball
Girls
Keaau 44, Pahoa 41
Taylor Pocock scored 15 points and Aina Padasdao added 13 as the host Cougars (2-2) held on to win a suspended game against the Daggers.
With Keaau leading 16-9 in the second quarter Monday night, the contest was halted because of a power outage at the Cougars’ gym.
Vanessa Castro scored 11 points for Pahoa (0-4) and Macey Mokuhalii added 10.
Keaau 16 12 6 10 —44
Pahoa 9 8 15 9 — 41