BIIF golf: Waiakea secures crowns

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The season is far from over, but the Waiakea boys and girls have already claimed BIIF championships.

Waiakea junior Isaiah Kanno fired a 3-under 69 to win his first BIIF meet on Tuesday at Kona Country Club, outpacing Kamehameha senior Pono Yanagi by five shots.

Kanno was consistent with a 35 on the front nine and a 34 on the back. Yanagi, who won the last two meets, had a 36 on the front and a 38 on the back.

Kealakehe’s Ethan Jaehn and Kamehameha’s Dillon Ah Chong tied for third with a 77.

Waiakea won its fourth tournament to pocket its third straight BIIF team championship. Kamehameha won its first title in 2016.

Next to Kanno’s 69, Riku Omata and Isaac Inouye each carded an 81, and Scott Igawa had an 84 for a 315 total. Hilo was second with a 352 total, and Hawaii Prep placed third with a 407 total.

Waiakea’s Tori Hironaga and Megan Nakamoto, and Christian Liberty’s Jaeda Yamasaki each shot an 87 to share BIIF medalist honors.

Hilo’s Chanelle Hwang and Waiakea’s Elle Otani were right behind with an 88.

Waiakea’s three top players played as junior varsity entrants. Lacey Uchida, who won the last two meets, shot a 73. Freshman Kiersten Saludares and sophomore Kailey Oki each carded an 82.

The Warriors also pocketed their fifth consecutive BIIF championship with an 87-87-88—262 total. They’ve been the only team to enter enough starters (three) during the season.

Hilo took the team crown in 2014, which was preceded by Waiakea’s run of 10 straight championships.

The next BIIF meet is next Wednesday at Mauna Lani. Then it’s Kohanaiki on April 17, followed by the two-round BIIF championships, which begin April 28 at Hualalai.