BIIF boys basketball: Kona falls in opening round of states

Konawaena boys basketball’s memorable season ended Monday afternoon at home inside Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium, where this year’s Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Division I runner-up Wildcats fell 93-67 to Leilehua in the opening round of the 2024-25 HHSAA DI Tournament.

While Kona kept pace with the Mules in the first quarter, Leilehua leveled up its intensity in the final three intervals — scoring 22-or-more points in each frame. Coupled with the Mules staying solid defensively, the Wildcats were unable to keep up down the stretch.

Leilehua’s Zachery Ranos led the way with 27 points, four assists, three steals and a block to go along with six 3-pointers. Teammate Tyree Wilson scored 13. As a team, the Mules sank 13 3s. They average 81.6 points per game this season while allowing 62.5.

Leilehua improved to 23-5 overall, and will next be tested in the quarterfinals against first-seeded Saint Louis at 7 p.m. tonight at McKinley High School.

Konawaena was led by Joven Young, who scored 17 points with four 3s. Teammate Dylan Nonaka added 10. Defensively, the Wildcats logged 13 steals.

The green and white finished the season 14-12 overall and 11-4 in league play, averaging 59.1 points per game while allowing 57.2. In the BIIF, Kona averaged 62.7 points while allowing 43.6.

The boys basketball state playoffs continue today. See the BIIF schedule for specific Big Island matchups.