Kizzah Maltezo and Hunter Liftee each had a hand in helping Honokaa High win back-to-back state championships in 2014-15, and, now seniors, they’re each off to fine start to their college seasons.
Maltezo scored a career-high points Nov. 20 and hit the go-ahead free throws with 11 seconds remaining as Concordia (Ore.) beat Humboldt State 72-71.
“Kizzah (Maltezo) was incredible tonight,” Cavaliers coach Sean Kelly said in a release. “She hit so many big shots for us this evening.”
The 5-foot-4 guard was 7 of 14 from the field and 11 of 13 from the free throw line, playing 28 minutes and adding two assists.
Through five games, Maltezo leads Concordia (4-1) in scoring (16.2 points per game), and she’s second on the team in assists.
Through her first three games with Chaminade, Liftee is second on the Silverswords in scoring (18.7), including a 25-point, six-rebound effort against Northwest Oklahoma State on Friday night.
The 5-10 forward previously played at Arizona Western College and Central Methodist University, but she’s shooting 52.5 percent in her first season at NCAA Division II.
Chaminade hosts UH-Hilo this Saturday, and Liftee will have a homecoming March 2 when the Vuls host the ‘Swords.
• Konawaena grad Chanelle Molina was one of three Washington State players in double figures with 10 points Saturday as the Cougars beat Jacksonville State 64-51.
Molina, a junior, is second on the Cougars (2-4) in scoring (15.0), while her sister, freshman Cherilyn Molina, has played in all six games and scored six total points.
• Hilo graduate Alexis Pana scored 14 points Nov. 21 as Central Washington remained undefeated with an 82-70 win against Holy Names. Pana, is second on the D-II Wildcats (5-0) in scoring (11.4 points) and first in assists (27) and steals (11). Her sister, senior Aliyah Pana, has played in three games, scoring nine total points.
One of Alexis Pana’s finest all-around efforts came Nov. 16 when the junior finished with 15 points, eight assists, two steals, two rebounds and a block in a 74-67 win against St. Cloud State. She earned all-GNAC honorable mention last year.
Cross-country
Former Kealakehe athlete Keili Dorn earned All-America honors after placing 16th at the NAIA championships Nov. 16 with with a time of 17:53 in the 5K. Competing for Embry-Riddle, it was Dorn’s fourth national meet.