Hawaiian Electric Game of the Week
No. 1 Maryknoll tops No. 3 Kamehameha, 51-39, for state berth


  



Sat, Jan 14, 2017 @ Kamehameha


Final 1 2 3 4  
Maryknoll (13-1, 28-3) 8 2115751
Kamehameha (9-5, 21-6) 8 17 2 1239
M. Maio 14 pts  6/7 FTs
R. Omori 11 pts  2 3pm  3/5 FTs
M. Maio 10 tot  10 def
M. Notoa 9 tot  3 off  6 def

KAPALAMA HEIGHTS — Top-ranked Maryknoll heated up from the perimeter in the third quarter to beat No. 3 Kamehameha, 51-39, on the Warriors' senior night at Kekuhaupio Gymnasium on Saturday.

The Spartans (10-0) are the Interscholastic League of Honolulu regular season champions and in the process punch a ticket to the Snapple/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division I Girls Basketball State Championships. The overall ILH champion will determined in the single elimination postseason tournament.

"It's an accomplishment and we went all the way last year, we got second. This year I think we have to confidence and we're stronger as a team. When the seniors left last year, they left their leadership with us," said Rhianne Omori, who scored a team-high 11 points.

The loss snaps Kamehameha's four-game win streak to fall to 5-4. The Warriors have a tough three-game finish as they host Punahou (3-7) on Jan. 17 and travel to Iolani (6-4) two days later before hosting the Spartans again to end the regular season on Jan. 21.

"We have a tough finish and we have our hands full. We can't afford to let down this last stretch. We geared the team for this and they know what's expected and we hope they step up Tuesday," said Kamehameha coach Joe Cho.

Kamalu Kamakawioole and Isabella Cravens picked up two quick fouls early in the first quarter, but Maryknoll's depth covered up the void. Dakota Viena contributed 10 of the team's 15 bench points.

"Coach preaches that we have a lot of depth. We work as a team and pressure the ball a lot. It gives us an opportunity to get steals and open buckets," said Milne, who added 10 points.

When both girls were on the floor, they make it difficult for opponents. Cravens added seven rebounds and four blocks and Kamakawiwoole finished with seven points on two 3-pointers.

"We got depth and you have to be careful. Bella and Kamalu got into foul trouble against Iolani. We have to be smarter. We overcame and it wasn't pretty," said Maryknoll coach Chico Furtado.

The game was tied at 8 after the first quarter and both teams traded leads in the second. Omori hit a pair of free throws, but Kiana Vierra tied the game at 21 with a 3-pointer. Maio tied the game at 23 with free throws and she finished 6-for-7 in the game.

"I don't think our ball movement was as good as we'd like it. We have to eliminate our turnovers. We have way too many turnovers and we can't afford that. You have to take care of the ball better," said Cho.

Maryknoll got to the line 25 times in the first half, but only made 13 of their free throws. The Spartans finished 17 of 33 (51.5 percent) for the night. Kamehameha on the other hand shot 11-for-13 (84.6 percent).

"Offensively around the basket we missed too many layups. When we do get fouled, we go 13-for-25 we almost lost to them the last time because of that. I don't know what it is. Most teams want to get to the line 25 times, us, I prefer you not foul us because we can't make them," said Furtado, with a chuckle.

The Spartans hit four of their six total 3-pointers and started the third quarter on a 9-0 run to break open the game to double digits, 38-25. Maio hit two free throws at the 3:50 mark to score the Warriors' two points and did not hit field goal in the quarter.

"We had the looks and couldn't convert. They had the looks and converted. That can be back-breaking. They took advantage and we didn't execute," said Cho.

"We like to get traps in the post. Our guards like to get up in their face and pressure the ball," said Milne.

"Third quarter, I thought we settled in defensively. We are going to live on the defensive end, that's where it starts. I think we're so inconsistent offensively that you never know. We finally hit some 3's and we held the ball and had one turnover," said Furtado.

Maio, one of seven seniors, was able to create her shot throughout the game to score 14 points and also grabbed 10 boards. Vierra scored 10 points before fouling out.

"Miki has been consistent for us during this stretch," said Cho.

Kamehameha started the fourth with a mini 5-0 run and Furtado called a timeout at 6:16 to drive to his team about taking care of the ball and knowing the situation. Kalina Obrey completed the 3-point play to bring the Warriors within 11, 46-35. However, Maryknoll was able to play keep-away to run out the game.

"I wanted to make sure our kids understand situational basketball. That's been the mantra we're trying to teach. The game is never the same and everything is different—time, possession. I need my guards to be smarter and I think the last four minutes we did a good job," said Furtado.



Reach Brandon Ching at [email protected].




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