Editor’s note: These games were played on Tuesday night but did not make West Hawaii Today’s print deadline.
HILO – It wasn’t the high-scoring uptempo game one would suspect between Hilo and Konawaena, but the battle was entertaining until the end.
The Wildcats hit enough free throws down the stretch to hold off Hilo 46-42 in a BIIF Division I showdown on Tuesday night at the Vikings gym.
Ethan Neru scored 15 points, including nine in the second half, for the Wildcats (1-0).
Rayson Padilla scored 14 for the Vikings (0-1), who kick off their annual tournament Thursday at their gym. Padilla hit back-to-back 3-pointers to cut Kona’s lead to 42-38 with under two minutes.
But Nero sank two free throws with nine seconds left to seal the win.
Konawaena opened the third quarter with back-to-back putback baskets, Orion Smith closed the period with a layup and one of two free throws.
In the first half, neither team was able to get its transition game going, and the Wildcats led 24-20 at the break.
Konawaena looked to work the ball inside and shot 56 percent in the first half, despite committing nine turnovers. Hilo attacked the basket and got to the free throw line. The Vikings shot 12 of 21 from the line while the Wildcats sank 3 of 10 free throws.
The Vikings struggled with their jump shooting and made just 29 percent from the field.
In the JV game, it was Hilo 64, Konawaena 58.
Girls
Kealakehe 44, Kamehameha 38
Saidah Muhammad scored 16 points for the Waveriders (1-1), who trailed by one at halftime after a five-point second quarter on their home court, then outscored the Warriors (1-1) 15-10 in the third quarter.
Kamehameha, the defending state Division II champion, is rebuilding around it lone returning starter, Nique Pacheco, who scored 21 points.
Soccer
Kamehameha cruised to 11-0 victories against Ka’u in girls and boys matches at Paiea Stadium in Keaau.
In the girls match, Raeshalyn Respicio and Taylan Mangauil-Noah each scored twice, and Kirstyn Mahaulu, Lei Lin Ching, Nanea Wong Yuen, Nanea Delostrico, Jaden Dinkel, Kaila Ambrosio and Kaylia Galindo each tacked on a goal apiece for the Warriors.
Galindo and Nyka Rae-Leada shared in the shutout.
In the boys match, Logan Waltjen netted a hat trick, Buddy Betts and Jonathan DeMotta each scored twice and Kaleo Kuamoo-Quihano, Shawncen Oili-Urubio, Cuinn Cariaga and Trysten Mahaulu registered a goal each. Christian Hironaga was credited with the shutout.
Demotta assisted on four goals, and Ethan Shimabukuro drew two assists.