HONOLULU — Top-seeded Kapa‘a High School was upset 43-40 by Hanalani on Thursday night during the Heide & Cook Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association Division II girls basketball state championships on O‘ahu.
HONOLULU — Top-seeded Kapa‘a High School was upset 43-40 by Hanalani on Thursday night during the Heide & Cook Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association Division II girls basketball state championships on O‘ahu.
Holding a 21-15 lead over Hanalani entering the break, the Warriors were outscored in the second half 28-19, as Hanalani’s shooting percentage improved to 37.5 percent and the Hanalani defense held the Lady Warriors to a 30.2 percent showing on buckets.
The long distance balls came up short for Kapa‘a in the second half, as Kapa‘a netted just a single trey on 14 attempts while Hanalani nailed six long balls on a dozen attempts.
Kapa‘a’s Olivia Malafu again topped the Lady Warriors’ efforts on 14 points and 17 rebounds with help from Taira Samiano, who finished with 11 points and four boards.
Ellana Klemp set the pace for Hanalani with a game-high 26 points and 13 rebounds.
Kapa‘a will face off against Kamehameha Schools-Hawai‘i for third place in the championship tournament on Friday at the Blaisdell Arena on O‘ahu.
Hanalani will advance to face No. 2 seed Maryknoll for the Div. II state title, also at the Blaisdell Arena.