BIIF hoops: Samura scores 44, Kealakehe gets back on track
WAIMEA — It’s a rare occurrence when a player outscores the entire opposition. But for Hawaii Prep girls basketball guard Brooke Samura, it’s just another day at the office. The senior star scored 44 of Ka Makani’s 52 points in a 52-38 win over Parker on Thursday night in Castle Gym — securing its fourth win in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF).
WAIMEA — It’s a rare occurrence when a player outscores the entire opposition. But for Hawaii Prep girls basketball guard Brooke Samura, it’s just another day at the office. The senior star scored 44 of Ka Makani’s 52 points in a 52-38 win over Parker on Thursday night in Castle Gym — securing its fourth win in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF).
Samura has been on a tear in her final season in red and white, averaging 34.7 points per game — which leads the entire state.
“Brooke had an outstanding performance,” HPA coach Sierra Huebert-Sanchez told West Hawaii Today. “But more than that, I’m proud of her leadership on and off the court — she’s really stepped up as our captain and sole senior on this team.”
Ka Makani won three of the four quarters against the Bulls, but had to earn everything they got against a scrappy Parker team. Huebert-Sanchez added that she wanted her team to address three main components — staying composed, grabbing offensive rebounds and limiting turnovers to under 15.
“We achieved all three of those goals, so I was happy,” she said.
Outside of Samura, teammate Avery Henderson scored four points. For the Bulls, sisters Briley Ballard and Adalyn Ballard scored 16 and 15 points to lead their group, respectively.
Now as winners of three straight after returning from a month-long break, HPA (6-4 overall, 4-2 BIIF) will look to keep the momentum going against Kea‘au at 3 p.m. today in Castle Gym.
“Coming back after the holiday break can make or break a team, but our girls kept up with their fitness program throughout the break,” Hubert-Sanchez said. “It’s made a huge difference and has helped us hit the ground running.
“I’m looking to continue moving forward with that momentum, as we have some big games ahead of us.”
Parker (3-4) will travel to Honoka‘a tonight for a 6 p.m. game in the Dragons’ gymnasium.
‘Riders bounce back
Kealakehe High’s boys varsity basketball team routed Christian Liberty Academy 66-37 on Thursday night in Kea’au.
The Waveriders were dominant from the start, applying full court pressure and keeping the game pace higher than the Canefire could handle.
In the first quarter, Kealakehe repeatedly stole CLA’s pass attempts,drew fouls and capitalized on free throws. The ‘Riders led 21-9 at the end of the opening frame.
The Canefire’s situation further detiorated in the second quarter, as Kealakehe continued to cause turnovers, make shots and stifle CLA’s offense. KHS’ lead expanded to a comfortable 43-17 by halftime.
By the start of the fourth quarter, Kealakehe was ahead 66-24.
With the clock running through the final frame, the Canefire managed to score a game high 13 points while keeping the ‘Riders off of the board. Ten of those points came courtesy of Jeziah Mahaulu — who sank two threes and a layup, and went two-for-three at the free throw line.
Mahaulu led CLA with 21 points total. The Canefire’s other 16 points were scored by Jermaine Cline — who shot six-for-ten at the free throw line. Between Mahaulu and Cline, CLA hit ten of 13 from the stripe.
Logan Godbey led Kealakehe with 21 points, including five field goals and a free throw during the third quarter. Michael Miller and Estevon Morales each scored nine points for the Waveriders.
CLA fell to 0-4, and is one of two winless BIIF DII teams, alongside St. Joseph School (0-7).
The Canefire will continue trying to notch an elusive win during its next matchup — which will tip off at 6 p.m. on Monday at home against HPA.
The win was much needed for Kealakehe, which moved to 3-5 in BIIF play and 4-5 overall.
The ‘Riders will next face Waiakea High, at 7 p.m. Monday at home.
Daggers handle Ka Makani
Pahoa boys basketball beat HPA 55-29 on Thursday at home — moving to 6-2 in the BIIF and No. 2 in the standings.
West Hawaii Today and Hawaii Tribune-Herald were unable to obtain the top scorers from the game.
The Daggers will next play Honoka‘a at 6:30 p.m. next Saturday on the road, while Ka Makani (1-5 overall, 1-3 BIIF) will play island powerhouse KS-Hawai‘i at 6:30 p.m. tonight in Castle Gym.
Other games
West Hawaii Today could not obtain the results from the following Thursday basketball games by Friday afternoon, Jan. 12:
Ka‘u at Kea‘au boys