Konawaena tops Iolani, 47-37, returns to D1 title game

Mercedes Victor puts up a layup over 3 Iolani defenders. Evan Asato | SL

Two-time defending champion and top-seeded Konawaena with four players in double figures advanced to the final with a 47-37 victory over Iolani in a semifinal game of the Hawaiian Airlines/HHSAA girls state basketball tournament at Blaisdell Center.

The win by the undefeated BIIF champion Wildcats sets up a championship match with second-seeded and undefeated ILH champion Kamehameha. While Konawaena has won five of the last nine state titles, the 8-time champion Warriors have not won since 2002.

Iolani will face Hilo for third place.

Compared to the night before when Konawaena had to rally in the final quarter to edge Mililani, their fourth consecutive state tourney win over Iolani was a relatively routine, textbook display of teamwork and defense.

The opening quarter saw four lead changes and three ties, the last at 9 with 1:11 left. Down 9-7 with 1:25 to go, Konawaena outscored the Raiders 14-2 over the next four minutes capped by freshman Chanelle Molina's three-pointer to lead 21-11. Iolani never got closer than 4 points again. Molina scored 11 of her team high 12 points in the first half.

Although Iolani got within four at 25-21 and was down by only five, 33-28 after three quarters the Wildcats combined a swarming defense with 9 of 14 free throws in the final quarter to maintain control as coach Bobbie Awa sat calmly on the bench appearing unworried.

Said Awa, "We worry about everybody and Iolani is a good team. I didn't want to get too excited, it might scare them (her team)" she added jokingly.

In the final quarter, Konawaena's tenacious defense kept Iolani away from the basket forcing the Raiders to miss their first seven shots from beyond the arc, before Brooke Maeda finally connected in the dying seconds.

"Execution and good defense," cited Molina as the keys to victory.

In support of Molina, the senior poise of Courtney Kaupu and Hokulani Liftee - who scored 11 and 10 points respectively - played a key role in the victory. Another freshman, Mercedes Victor had 10, including a three-pointer.

With Liftee bringing the ball up and breaking Iolani's press, Konawaena committed only 3 second half turnovers. Her passing and ball control also helped the Wildcats eat precious second off the clock in the final quarter.

Kaupu garnered several key rebounds inside and the Wildcats-after being in serious foul trouble the night before- committed only 3 second half fouls keeping Iolani without a free throw attempt in the fourth quarter. The Raiders had more field goals than Konawaena (15-13), but made 5 of only 6 free throw attempts compared to the Wildcats 19 of 31 from the charity stripe.

Iolani was led in scoring by Jade Botelho' 12 points, eight in the second half to keep the Raiders within striking distance.
Sheyla Pua Kahalehoe had 11, six in the opening quarter to pace her team's quick start.

Konawaena made 13 of 28 field goal attempts (46%, while Iolani was 15 for 40 (38%).