Kona girls favored this time around

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

The first clue that this week's HHSAA/Hawaiian Airlines Girls State Basketball Championships could be different comes from the seeding chart, where seven-time champ Punahou is No. 3.

Konawaena's Nancy Hoist will be playing in her third girls state basketball tournament. Advertiser library photo

But Big Island Interscholastic Federation champion Konawaena burst upon the scene two years ago by almost knocking off Punahou in the quarterfinals, and the Wildcats took eventual runner-up Kahuku to two overtimes in last year's tournament.

This time, Konawaena (14-0) is not a dark horse, but the No. 1 seed. O'ahu Interscholastic Association champ Kahuku (13-1) is No. 2, followed by Punahou (11-2) and Maui Interscholastic League champion Baldwin (14-1).

Here is a closer look at some of the contenders in the tournament, which begins with four games today:

KONAWAENA (14-0)

Two of Konawaena's key players from the past two tournaments — center Nancy Hoist and forward Jessica Hanato — still are on the team. Against Kahuku in last year's quarterfinals, Hanato weaved her way through the defense for 27 points and Hoist added 23 points, six rebounds and six steals. Hoist sank all 19 of her free-throw attempts in the tournament. Konawaena also has veteran guards in Kristen Kitaoka and Hina Kimitete, plus Honoka'a transfer Haunani Liftee and freshman Jazzmin Williams.

KAHUKU (13-1)

Leading the way is center Latoya Wily, who had 24 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in last week's OIA title game against McKinley. Wily is complemented by speedy point guard Karla Tailele and forward Mona Ale, plus a parade of athletic guards and forwards led by Aisha Ale, Camilla Ah Hoy and Tina Soliai. Kahuku has size, but it also can run and press even with small, quick teams.

PUNAHOU (11-2)

The Buffanblu are extremely young, with guard Eryn Chun as the only senior. But Chun's role as a defensive leader is crucial, as Punahou's only two losses came when she was out with an ankle injury. The Buffanblu also have other veterans, as guard Shanna-Lei Dacanay and forward Christine Takara saw significant action in the past two state tournaments. Dacanay is one of the state's premier ball-handlers.

BALDWIN (14-1)

The Bears are another young team, with only two seniors. But one, guard Kami Kapaku, has been one of the MIL's top players the past three seasons. Jenna Mailou, a junior forward, is another veteran and sophomore guard Kai Sarmiento also has state tournament experience. Two freshmen — forwards Nicole Alconcel and Dayne Carvalho — play key roles, with Alconcel as a 3-point threat. Baldwin's only loss came to Lahainaluna, 35-29, in the MIL tournament, but it avenged it the following week.

IOLANI (10-3)

The Raiders are yet another young team, with one senior. That would be 5-foot-10 forward Ginger Gravelle, who can score from inside or beyond the 3-point arc. Sophomore point guard Hennasea Tokumura is a quick floor leader who will shoot it from long range, and 6-foot center Keilyn Fujioka has developed into an intimidating shot-blocker. Alana Wall, another sophomore, is an active forward who can produce rebounds and scoring. Iolani also can rotate guards in from the bench who can maintain steady defensive pressure.

MCKINLEY (10-4)

The Tigers rely heavily on 3-point shooting, and they've been hot several times this season — once sinking 14 treys in a game and 10 another time. The main shooters are seniors Bre Carson, Melody Ababa and Chantal Yadao, and Meagan Miyasaka is another senior guard with lots of experience. Sophomore Linda Fowler and freshman Chelsie Sato are undersized but effective front-line players.

KAMEHAMEHA (10-4)

The Warriors are a sleeper because they are on a roll, having won six straight games. Senior guard India Soo and senior forward Mounia Nihipali will be playing in their third straight state tournament and bring athleticism. Sophomore guard Tatriana Lorenzo is explosive on offense and defense.

KAISER (11-3)

The Cougars, making a rare state tournament appearance, have only one senior but have shown they can hang with the best veteran teams. Sophomore forward Sharde Pratt can score, rebound and block shots well especially for her size (5-8). Junior center Kilioe Ali'ifua (5-11) provides another strong inside presence, while senior point guard Shera Yamamoto runs the offense and can contribute as an outside shooting threat.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.