OAHU — Despite a game-high 21 points from senior Cherilyn Molina, the Konawaena girls basketball team fell to Maryknoll 56-37 in the Black and Gold Classic hosted at McKinley High School on Saturday. ADVERTISING OAHU — Despite a game-high 21
OAHU — Despite a game-high 21 points from senior Cherilyn Molina, the Konawaena girls basketball team fell to Maryknoll 56-37 in the Black and Gold Classic hosted at McKinley High School on Saturday.
The game was a rematch of last season’s HHSAA Division-I championship, which the Wildcats won 53-48 to claim their third straight state title.
“We got our bootys kicked,” said Konawaena head coach Bobbie Awa. “We got killed on the glass, giving up too many second and third chances but it was a good learning lesson.”
The Spartans showed a balanced attack against Konawaena in the preseason tourney, with three players scoring nine or more points. Isabelle Cravens led the team with 11 points. Dakota Viena added 10 points and Rhiane Omori followed with nine points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Maryknoll jumped out to an early 15-7 lead in the first quarter and led 32-18 at the break. Konawaena played better in the second half, but were still outscored 24-19.
“We just have to work on our defense and boxing out,” Awa said. “We tried to jump with them and we did not hold our ground. But it is early in the season and we still have a lot of work to do.”
Molina knocked down three shots from long range in the game. Following her on the scoreboard was sophomore Cayle Kaupu, who added nine points, to go along with two rebounds and two steal.
Konawaena opened the tournament with a 59-28 victory over Sacred Hearts on Thursday. Senior Kawena Kaohimaunu led the team with 17 points, which included five three-pointers. Molina and Senior Mikayla Tablit added 15 points each and Kaupu netted 12.
On Friday, the Wildcats defeated Iolani 46-41. Molina scored a game high 21 points behind four shots from beyond the arc. Tablit followed with 10 and Kaupu added nine points.
“This was a good tournament and we were able to see where we stand,” Awa said. “Some of the top teams in the state were here and there was a lot of talent.”
Konawaena still has two more preseason tournaments to go before the start of the regular season. They will play at Waiakea next weekend and follow that up with the annual Konawaena Invitational, which will take place Nov. 30 and Dec. 1-2.
“The more games the better,” said co-head coach Dawnyelle Awa.
Konawaena will open the regular season on Dec. 12 with a 7 p.m. game at Hilo. Their first regular season home game will be Dec. 23 against Pahoa at 7 p.m.
