The boys basketball teams from Hawaii Prep and Kohala are on track for an undefeated Division II clash next week in the renewal of their North Hawaii rivalry, and so far none of the BIIF’s Division I teams have been able to slow them down.
Ka Makani escaped its second close call in the past week Wednesday when Michael Hughes hit both ends of a one-and-one with 6 seconds remaining, finishing with 21 points to lift HPA to a 51-50 win at Kamehameha.
“Crazy ending, lots of lead changes in the last few moments,” coach Fred Wawner said. “Kamehameha got a good look at the end, but it rimmed out.”
The Warriors (5-4) know thing or two about close calls as well. They’ve had three in the past week. Izayah Chartrand-Penera, who scored 26 points in a losing effort, hit a game-winner last week at Konawaena, and Kamehameha also had a final possession to tie or win the game Monday in a home loss to Kohala.
The beat goes on for Ka Makani and the Cowboys, who are each 9-0 and the BIIF’s only unbeatens, buoyed by wins against Hilo, Kamehameha, Konawaena and Kealakehe from D-I. Neither have faced defending D-I champion Waiakea (8-1) yet, but HPA gets its chance Saturday night in Waimea.
Kohala and HPA tussle Thursday in Waimea, and the Cowboys host Waiakea two days later.
Kamehameha is a half-game ahead of Konawaena (5-5) for the fourth and final playoff spot and half-game behind Kealakehe (6-4). Kamehameha plays Parker and Ka’u before finishing the regular season at Kealakehe.
Waiakea 47, Kealakehe 35: Kiai Apele posted 18 points as the Warriors rebounded from their first loss with a road win.
Konawaena 59, Keaau 44: Wai’ipo Louis led the way with 14 points as the Wildcats came up with a much-needed road win to snap a three-game losing streak.
Joah Gacayan added 11 points and Kahiau Holzgrove had 10. Konawaena took control in the middle two quarters, outscoring the Cougars 34-15.
CJ Fung and Israel Keaulana-Balga led Keaau (2-7) with 10 each.
The Wildcats finish with home games against Honokaa and Parker, and two wins will ensure them at least the chance at a play-in game for the fourth seed in the D-I playoffs.
Hilo 78, Honokaa 68: Kaukahi Alameda scored 28 points and Rayson Padilla added 22 as the Vikings (7-3) survived an upset bid at Honokaa Armory.
Hilo led by 21 points entering the fourth quarter and held on for its fourth win in a row.
Emery Eberhard led the charge for the Dragons (1-7) with 20 points. Hans Caronan and Darian Nishida each had 13 and Kuha’o Kane finished with 12.
Kohala 67, Pahoa 57: O’Shen Cazimero finished with 20 points and Koby Agbayani had 12 as the Cowboys won a D-II game in Kapaau.
The Daggers (4-5) had three scorers in double-figures: Jaydan Broad-Melander (16), Keanu Muck (15) and Damon Romero (10).
Girls
Hawaii Prep 41, Ka’u 29: In Waimea, Maja Burdova (15 points) and Mariah Borce (12) helped Ka Makani (4-5) win on consecutive nights.
Grace Smith scored eight points as the Trojans (0-10) finished their season.