Wily lifts Red Raiders over Punahou

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Kahuku's Latoya Wily looks to pass as Punahou's Sophia Merrifield defends during the first quarter. Wily had 20 points and 20 rebounds to lead the Red Raiders to a semifinal victory. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

The Red Raiders (15-1) will face Konawaena (16-0) for the title tonight at 8. Kahuku's only state championship came in 1983; Konawaena is seeking its first state crown.

Wily, a 6-foot senior, finished with 20 points and 20 rebounds in a stunning display of inside power. She had 11 points and nine rebounds in the first period alone, helping the Red Raiders race to a 10-0 start.

"Awesome," Kahuku coach Wendy Anae said.

The Buffanblu (12-3) closed it to 15-9 by the end of the quarter, however, and eventually tied it at 17-17 on Makena Hunt's free throws with 4:44 remaining in the half. Kahuku then went on a 7-2 run to end the period, but not before starting point guard Karla Tailele went down with a sprained right ankle with 2:36 left.

Tailele did not return, and Anae said her status for tonight is not known.

The Red Raiders had lost starting forward Mona Ale in Thursday's quarterfinals, also to a sprained ankle. Ale sat out last night's first half but returned in the third period and finished with two points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.

"I'm proud of how Mona came out in the second half, because her ankle was all messed up," Wily said. "Her contributions really helped, and she's the peacemaker on our team, so I'm very thankful for her effort."

Kahuku maintained its slim advantage in the third period, taking a 28-25 lead into the fourth.

Punahou closed it to 30-29 on Christine Takara's free throws with 4:26 remaining, but the Red Raiders broke through the Buffanblu's press and scored the final nine points of the game.

The Buffanblu had held off Kahuku, 56-52, in last year's state title game.

"We've got one more game to play, so we've really gotta focus," Wily said. "This is where our heart really has to come out."

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