KAPAAU — The defending HHSAA Division II boys basketball champion No. 6 Kohala continues to go on a roll.
Despite being without their 22 points-per-game star Layden Kauka, the Cowboys dominated Kea‘au on Saturday night in Kamehameha Park Gymnasium — winning 53-20.
The Cougars’ length gave Kohala some fits early on, but the Cowboys adjusted through moving the ball, cashing 3s and pushing the pace in transition on the slower opponent.
Kohala’s Dillon Oandasan finished with 14 points with two 3-pointers made. Teammate Jayden Hook posted 14 points, nine boards and three steals. Hook continues to be the second-leading scorer for the group this season at 14 a night.
Isaac Libron was the third Cowboy in double figures with 11 points, four rebounds and six steals.
No Kea‘au player reached double-digit scoring, but Thayne Nakoa led the way with nine points. No other Cougar scored more than three.
Now winners of 10 straight and remaining unbeaten in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, Kohala (10-2, 5-0 BIIF) will next be tested against Honoka‘a at 7 p.m. Wednesday on the road in a rematch of last season’s BIIF DII Championship, in which the Cowboys won narrowly 57-53. As of Sunday, Jan. 7, the two schools hold the two-best records in Division II.
Kea‘au (2-5 overall, 1-4 BIIF) has lost four straight, and will try to next redeem itself against Ka‘u at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Cougars’ gymnasium.
Warriors maintain BIIF dominance
Kamehameha Schools-Hawai‘i girls basketball added to its undefeated BIIF season Saturday night against Parker, winning 68-15.
KSH dominated from start to finish, including a 27-0 first quarter.
Warriors star and UH-Hilo commit Keanu Huihui led the stat sheet once again with 32 points and two 3s made. Teammate Maela Honma added 16, while Kacie Febo-Santiago had 11.
On the Bulls’ side, Adalyn Ballard led with eight points.
Next up, KSH (10-4 overall, 8-0 BIIF) will face its tallest task yet in the BIIF — No. 3 Konawaena. The Warriors and Wildcats will square off at 7 p.m. Monday in Kea‘au. Parker (2-2) next plays Waiakea at 6 p.m. Monday in a road matchup.
KSH crushes Kona
Kamehameha Schools-Hawai‘i boys basketball handled business against Konawaena on Friday night in Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium — beating the Wildcats 64-41 and remaining unbeaten in the BIIF.
The Warriors defense and aggression overwhelmed Kona, who tried playing catch-up for the game’s entirety.
KSH was led by Kiai Yasso, who dropped a game-high 35 points with eight 3-pointers made. Teammate Kawohi Huihui finished with 11. Yasso and Huihui continue to lead the group in scoring, averaging 20 and 17 points per game, respectively.
Wildcats center Abraham Ogata finished with eight points — averaging over 12 points a night on the year. Elijah Morgan additionally added eight.
KSH (8-1 overall, 6-0 BIIF) will enjoy the week off before returning to the floor against Hawaii Prep — set to top off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in HPA’s Castle Gym.
Konawaena (6-7 overall, 4-3 BIIF) additionally played St. Joseph’s on Saturday night, winning 55-13. Ogata and Riley Asakura added 13 apiece, while the Cardinals’ Amari Wiedemeier notched seven points. The Wildcats will return to the court against Waiakea at 7 p.m. Wednesday on the road, while SJS (0-7) next plays Honoka‘a at 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at home.
Dragons bounce back against ‘Riders
Honoka‘a boys basketball routed Kealakehe on Friday night by a score of 91-72, grabbing its third BIIF victory of the season.
The Dragons (4-3 overall, 3-1 BIIF) additionally played Ka‘u Saturday night, but West Hawaii Today and Hawaii Tribune-Herald were unable to obtain the score by Sunday, Jan. 7.
Honoka‘a will host Kohala at 7 p.m. Wednesday at home, while the Trojans will travel to Kea‘au to play the Cougars at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Kealakehe (3-5) will travel to Christian Liberty to play the Canefire at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Vikings vanquish Warriors
Hilo High’s boys varsity basketball team defeated Waiakea High 61-43 on Friday night at Hilo HS.
After entering the second quarter tied 13-13, the Vikings exploded — dropping 20 points while holding the Warriors to just 3.
Hilo kept up the pressure, outscoring Waiakea again 17-13 in the third quarter.
The Warriors made a final-frame push — outscoring Hilo 13-11 — but could not chip away enough from their large deficit.
Hilo’s Ikena Leao had a gargantuan outing, putting up a total of 21 points. Peyton Pana and Kaiwalya Kaneta each scored 10 for the Vikings.
Waiakea was led by Thayden Sweat (14 points) and Josiah Amuimuia (11 points).
Hilo’s (7-1) next outing will be Jan. 16 at Hawaii Prep.
Waiakea’s (4-4) next court appearance will be Wednesday at home against Konawaena High.
