A vocal crowd of 2,463 at the University of Hawai'i’s Stan Sheriff Center watched the Wildcats (17-0) jumped out to a 30-10 halftime lead, only to see Kahuku (15-2) come roaring back and close it to 44-41 on Latoya Wily’s layup with 1:32 remaining in the game.

But Konawaena’s Jessica Hanato scored on a layup 20 seconds later, and teammate Nancy Hoist sank two free throws with 48 seconds left to put the Wildcats up, 48-41. Haunani Liftee then sealed it with two more free throws with 26 ticks remaining.

Konawaena wasted no time in getting started last night, racing out to an 11-2 lead in the six minutes. Kahuku closed it to 11-6 by the end of the period on layups by center Latoya Wily, but the Red Raiders hurt themselves with eight turnovers.

The last Neighbor Island team to win a state title had been Waiakea in 1985 and 1986.

Roosevelt wins Division II

Roosevelt defeated St. Andrew’s, 67-44, to capture the inaugural HHSAA/Hawaiian Airlines Girls State Basketball Division II Championships at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Roosevelt, which was down 9-4 early in the first quarter, went on a 17-0 run to end the quarter, led by junior guard Chelsie Kadota, who scored 12 points, all on 3-pointers.

The Rough Riders scored 12 straight points in the second to give it a 33-9 lead. They ended up outscoring the Pride 17-6 in the second quarter, giving them a 38-15 halftime lead.

"I think our key was to hit some shots because they were playing the zone," Kadota said.

But in the second half, St. Andrew’s (11-7) of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, played it even, and outscored Roosevelt 17-15 in the final quarter, aided by a 14-2 run, bringing them within 58-41 with just over 4 minutes remaining.