BIIF: HPA, KSH win seventh straight


WAIMEA — Hawaii Preparatory Academy boys basketball just continues to impress.
On Tuesday night inside Castle Gymnasium, Ka Makani extended its win streak to seven games after a 54-42 win over Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Division I opponent Waiakea. It was the first and only meeting between the two teams.
HPA improved to 13-5 overall and 7-1 in the BIIF, while the Warriors fell to 8-7 overall and 6-3 on the island.
Waiakea led 26-25 at halftime, but Ka Makani locked in defensively over the final 16 minutes — holding the guests to under 10 points in the third and fourth quarter. The strong defense, coupled by 29 points of second-half offense, was enough for HPA to get the double-digit win.
Ka Makani had an egalitarian approach to its offense, having four double-figure scorers. Cam Root scored a team-high 13 points — adding to his 10.5 points-per-game season average. Teammate Max Aiona scored 11 points, while Micah Yamasaki and Vander Eberhard scored 10 apiece. Kingdon Simmons also added nine.
HPA is averaging 64.4 points per game in the BIIF while allowing 41.3. Eberhard has been the group’s leading scorer, averaging nearly 19 points per game overall.
The Warriors were led by Maika Kauhi, who scored 14 points. Teammate Josiah Amuimula scored 10. Waiakea averages over 57 points per game on the island.
Looking to continue to ride its hot streak, Ka Makani will next take the floor against Ka‘u at 3:30 p.m. Saturday inside Ka‘u District Gymnasium. Junior varsity will play first.
Waiakea will host Kealakehe on Thursday night in Hilo, with junior varsity tipping off first at 5:30 p.m. See the paper Friday for more.
KSH 86, Kealakehe 67
Kamehameha Schools-Hawai‘i boys basketball rattled off its seventh straight win Tuesday, routing Kealakehe 86-67 inside the Waveriders’ gymnasium.
The Warriors’ 25-12 first quarter set the tone for the remainder of the night, and Kealakehe could not adjust.
Kiai Yasso, who averages 16.2 points per game for KSH, scored a game-high 29 points and eight 3-point field goals made, followed by star teammate Kawohi Huihui with 21. Kaikuakea Kahana-Rowe also added 19.
As a unit, the Warriors average over 68 points per night in league play while allowing 42.1.
Kealakehe was led by top scorer DeMarion Olloway, who scored 18 points. Kamalu Pabre (18), Estavon Morales (11) and DeMani Olloway (10) also reached scoring in double figures. The ‘Riders average nearly 68 points per game in the BIIF this season.
Now at 8-1 in the league and 13-3 overall, KSH will aim to extend its winning streak against Laupahoehoe at 6 p.m. Friday on the Hamakua Coast.
Kealakehe (9-6 overall, 6-4 BIIF) returns to the hardwood against Kea‘au at 6 p.m. Thursday inside the ‘Riders gymnasium.
Kohala 58, Pahoa 49
Kohala boys basketball got back on track after dropping the previous two games, beating Pahoa 58-49 on Tuesday inside King Kamehameha Park Gymnasium.
Trailing 25-24 at the half, the Cowboys turned to their defense over the final two quarters — holding the Daggers’ high-powered offense to 10 points in the fourth to seal the win.
Kohala improved to 9-7 overall and 7-2 in the BIIF. Pahoa fell to 4-6 overall.
Cowboys forward Jayden Hook finished with 22 points, followed by Dillon Oandasan with 15. As a team, Kohala averages almost 60 points per game on the island while allowing a shade under 46.
Daggers swingman Kyran Canete, one of the state’s top scorers at 27.4 points per game, scored his usual 27 points. Teammate Cameron Castillo added eight, while Rysaiah Abadillahad seven. Thus far in 2024-25, Pahoa averages 59.2 points per game and allows 49.9.
The Cowboys additionally played Christian Liberty Academy late Wednesday night in Kea‘au. See Friday’s paper for coverage. Kohala will also host Parker at 6 p.m. Friday in Kapa‘au.
The Daggers next face Kea‘au at 6 p.m. Saturday in Pahoa town.
Kona 73, SJS 24
Konawaena boys basketball won its third straight after a 73-24 beatdown of St. Joseph’s on Tuesday in Kea‘au.
Riley Asakura and Joven Young scored 11 each to lead the 11-10 Wildcats. Koen De La Cruz led the Cardinals with eight points.
Kona averages 64.4 points per game in league play while allowing 44. Now at 8-3 in the BIIF, the team will return to action against CLA at 6 p.m. Saturday inside Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium.
SJS (2-7) next heads to Hilo to face the Vikings at 6 p.m. Friday.
Boys soccer
• 1/21 HPA 1, Kealakehe 1
• 1/21 Hilo 6, Parker 0