Posted on: Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Kahuku tops Farrington, returns to OIA title game
By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer
KAHUKU — One year after losing two Advertiser All-State first-team selections to graduation, Kahuku is back in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association girls basketball championship game.
Photos by Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser Kahuku won last year's crown mostly behind the heroics of All-State seniors Latoya Wily and Karla Tailele, but have weathered their loss pretty well.
This year's squad has been led by point guard Artevia Wily, wings Camilla Ah Hoy and Tina Soliai and post Aisha Ale, and that quartet again powered the Red Raiders by combining for 46 points.
In particular, the return of Ale from a hyperextended knee that kept her out of the regular season finale has made Kahuku whole again. She scored 12 points last night, including eight in the first half.
"It's nice to have Aisha back," Red Raiders coach Wendy Anae said. "She brings a confidence to the court and makes the whole team play better. And when we're hitting shots from the outside like we did, that makes it good all the way around."
Kahuku led 20-14 after one period, but Farrington (7-8) closed to 24-21 midway through the second quarter. The Red Raiders then finished the half with a 15-3 run to lead 39-24 at halftime.
"We tried to keep the possessions longer and keep Kahuku off the boards," Governors coach Jenic Tumaneng said. "But with Aisha back they're really strong in the post, and we don't match up with them well physically."
Kahuku opened the second half with a 9-0 run and led 56-35 entering the fourth period, then sealed it with a 6-0 run to start the final quarter.
FARRINGTON—C'ani Kealoha 12, Janiene Sablan 0, Sandy Valdez 2, Tanya Sale 8, Shirlyn Tambua 0, Kalani Alatasi 4, Joanna Montero 3, Kapio Alatasi 2, Kristyn Va'a 0, Elaine Leaupete 5, Dejanira Pryce 3, Brianna Tatupu Leopoldo 3. Totals 16 6-12 42.
KAHUKU—Delicia Wilson 0, Ane Vea 4, Camilla Ah Hoy 10, Luseane Kauvaka 0, Adrianne Galeai 0, Lily Latu 2, Kaimi Ah Puck 2, Leann Mapu 2, Artevia Wily 11, Salote Livai 0, Tina Soliai 13, Christine Meredith 1, Aisha Ale 12, Noelle Au 2, Kamaile Hughes 10, Brittaney Fasolai 0. Totals 26 13-15 69. 3-point goals—Farrington 4 (Kealoha 2, Leaupete, Pryce). Kahuku 4 (Ah Hoy 2, Wily, Soliai). Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.
The defending champion Red Raiders crushed Farrington, 69-42, last night to advance to Friday's title game against Kaiser — another Eastern Division rival — at McKinley's Student Council Gym. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
Kahuku's Kamaile Hughes drives past Farrington's Tanya Sale. Hughes finished with 10 points.
Kahuku's Aisha Ale returned from a hyperextended knee to score 12 points against Farrington last night.
