KAILUA-KONA – A fast start turned out to be enough to propel the Kealakehe girls’ basketball team to their first victory of the season.
Led by junior Pearl Delos Santos, the Waveriders jumped out to an 18-0 lead against the visiting Cougars of Keaau en route to claiming a 50-39 win. Delos Santos scored 10 of her team-high 20 points in the first quarter as Kealakehe built their early lead.
“Pearl’s our energy. She’s our workhorse out there,” said Kealakehe head coach Shawna-Lei Kuehu. “Today, she really felt it: felt comfortable and confident. She did her thing.”
The Waveriders’ lead stood at 20 at halftime after Kylea Medeiros drilled a buzzer-beating halfcourt shot to make it a 28-8 game.
In the second half, Keeau leaned heavily on Olivia Yasutake to slowly chip away at the Waverider lead. The Keaau junior scored 19 of her game-high 26 points in the second half, preventing Kealakehe from turning the game into a blowout.
Kealakehe’s Medeiros was the only other player on either team to break double digits on the scoreboard, adding 15 points.
Keaau (0-3 BIIF) will host their next game, when Waiakea visits on Jan. 19, while Kealakehe (1-1) will travel to play at Hilo on Monday.
Kealakehe 14 14 9 13 – 50
Keaau 0 8 13 18 – 39
Scoring
Kealakehe: Delos Santos 20 points, Medeiros 15, Haleamau 9, Tangelmathaw 5, Tornes 1
Keaau: Yasutake 26 points, Galamay 5, Muranaka 5, Miyasato 2, Gonzalez 1