Early start fuels Menehune

KAPA’A — It’s hard to imagine that the Waimea girls basketball team could play any better than it did in the first half of Friday night’s KIF game against Kapa’a.

The Menehune played crisply on offense, used suffocating defensive pressure to create turnovers and rebounded just about every Kapa’a missed shot.

After 16 minutes had past in the opening two quarters, the Menehune opened a 32-5 lead en route to a 59-23 win at Kapa’a High.

Ashlee Vea hit three 3-pointers in scoring a game-high 27 points while teammate Ashley Mier added 12 points including two treys for Waimea (2-0 in the KIF).

The Warriors (0-1 in the KIF) came together in the final eight minutes scoring 13 points and taking advantage of Menehune foul problems.

For the game, Kapa’a hit 13 free throws while only converting five field goals.

The Warriors were led by Brianne States, Sharlene Carillo and Ihilani Yama’s five points each.

Tania Tasic added four free throws for the Warriors.

Waimea’s Janna Soto and Lorraine Lagoc added six points apiece while Virginia Aguilar finished with four points.

In the early going, the Menehune jumped out to a 13-2 edge thanks in part to solid execution at the offensive end.

Waimea players cut to openings in the Kapa’a defense and converted high-percentage shots.

In the second quarter, the Menehune used an 11-0 run to open a 24-2 edge in cruising to the win.

In JV action, the Menehune improved to 1-1 on the season after a 44-31 win over the Warriors.

Waimea trailed 24-22 after three quarters of play before erupting for 22 points in the final period.

Elizabeth Yaris scored a game-high 19 points for the Menehune while teammate Hokulea Magno added 10 points.

For the Warriors, Rachel Boshears and Kristin Yanagawa combined for 13 points.

On Tuesday, the Warriors face the Red Raiders in a KIF battle at Kaua’i High beginning at 5:30 p.m.