Hot start helps No. 3 Maryknoll torch Kamehameha, 53-43

Maryknoll's Isabella Cravens blocks a shot attempt by Kamehameha's Kalina Obrey. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Maryknoll jumped out to an early 23-5 first quarter lead and weathered a late rally to eliminate Kamehameha, 53-43 in a postseason contest at T.C. Ching Gymnasium Wednesday night.

The Spartans, ranked third in the ScoringLive/Hawaiian Electric Girls Basketball Power Rankings, moves on to face Punahou in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I single-elimination tournament final Friday. The Buffanblu outlasted Iolani, 52-48 in the other ILH semifinal.

A win against Punahou on Friday will clinch the Spartans' second straight ILH championship. A loss to the Buffanblu will force a playoff between the two teams on Saturday for the league title. The ILH overall champion will also receive a first round bye in next week's state tournament.

Three player scored in double figures to lead Maryknoll. Alexis Delovio had a team-high 12 points, Lindsey Lee scored a season-high 11 points and Chayse Milne added 10 points.

Mikiala Maio finished with a game-high 14 points and Kalina Obrey chipped in 12 points to lead the Warriors.