McKinley knocks out Kealakehe, 69-52

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

McKinley's Ceslie-Ann Ma'afala (42) and Kealakehe's Ashlee Moncier battle for a rebound in the first quarter as Raychel Moi, left, looks on. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

The Tigers (11-4) will play No. 1 seed Punahou (14-0) in tonight's feature quarterfinal at the University of Hawai'i's Stan Sheriff Center.

Kealakehe (10-4) was able to trade baskets with McKinley for one period last night, but the exchange rate became lopsided in the second quarter as the Tigers started with a 12-2 run to lead 26-15 with 2:42 remaining in the half. The lead was stretched to 32-19 by halftime and a 15-3 run by McKinley to start the third period made it 47-22.

"We're giving it everything we got," said Tigers guard Chantal Yadao, who finished with a game-high 18 points. "There's nothing left after this week."

Kealakehe, a team that suits up only three seniors, showed some athleticism and quickness in the first period, taking leads of 4-0, 9-8, 11-10 and 13-12. But the Waveriders also had no answer for McKinley center Amber Lee, who had 10 points and three rebounds in the quarter.

In the second period, Kealakehe collapsed on Lee and held her to one point, but that left openings on the perimeter for guards Yadao and Bre Carson, who combined for 15 points in the quarter.

It was the same story in the third period, when Lee was shut out but Yadao scored 11 points, including three 3-pointers.

"That's how it was — we'd go into Amber and when she was double-teamed, she'd kick it back out to us," Yadao said. "When they focus on Amber, that's where we come in. We got our shots and knocked them down."

Kealakehe coach Lynelle Kamakau said missed free throw and layup opportunities compounded the Waveriders' problems. McKinley made 9 of 15 free throws in the second quarter, compared to 4 of 9 for Kealakehe.

Junior forwards Saundra Cariaga and Liko DeSilva each scored 17 points to lead the Waveriders, and Cariaga added six rebounds and three steals. Lee finished with 17 points and eight rebounds, and Carson added 14 points.

"Our guards are doing a lot better," McKinley coach Jesse Victorino said. "Chantal used to be afraid to shoot, but now we're swinging the ball around to her and she'll put it up. Tonight, I was just waiting for our team to kick it into gear, but against Punahou we can't afford to wait."