Campbell edges Mililani, 48-46; earns second seed


Campbell post Ipo Achiu led the Sabers with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Stacy Kaneshiro | SL
'EWA BEACH - Freshman post Ipo Achiu's putback of her own missed shot with 19 seconds left and Campbell edged Mililani, 48-46, Wednesday night to gain sole possession of second in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red West.

Combined with host 'Aiea's stunning 47-43 win against Pearl City, the Sabers (8-4) take sole possession of second place in the Red West. The Chargers (7-5) fell to third. Had Pearl City won, it would have had the edge in the tie-breaker for second because of its two wins against Campbell. The top two seeds - top seeded Kapolei and Campbell - secure opening-round byes for the OIA tournament, which starts Jan. 11.

Achiu had a breakout game with a season-high 12 points to pace the Sabers. She also grabbed 14 rebounds, her last one on the offensive side that provided the game-winning basket.

With the game tied at 46, Achiu was near the left side of the key when she took a bounce pass from Liza Bantolina, but missed a three-foot jumper. But Achiu rebounded her missed shot and put in a two-foot jump near the same area to give her team the lead.

But the Trojans didn't leave without putting scare into the Sabers. Campbell got the ball back later and Mariah Kelley missed a layup. The Trojans came up with the ball after a mad scramble, but missed a desperation 3-pointer from about 18 feet at the buzzer.

Cassie Ernst added 11 points and Chantay Samante had 10 rebounds to go with her eight points for the Sabers, who celebrated senior night.

Nayla Long and Kaylee Torres each had 12 points for the Trojans (6-6). Kellie Sakai followed with 11 points.