Mililani’s Arruda puts on a show

The difference between last year and this year at Mililani is Kira Arruda.

The transfer from Roosevelt gives coach Patrick Basilio a sharpshooting guard with length (5 feet 8) and a nonstop motor. She scored 29 points, including four 3-pointers, in an OIA Red semifinal win over Waianae.

The Trojans welcomed Arruda, daughter of former Kaimuki standout Daniel Arruda, with open arms in the offseason. As a team, they have a certain edge. A hunger.

"Once we lost at states last year, they had that look," Basilio said.

Waianae, meanwhile, surprised many in the OIA West and might be the most overachieving unit in the league. The Seariders, who play Kaimuki for third place on Wednesday, have qualified for states.

"I want them to feel it’s all right. They gave 110 percent, so I can’t ask for more. We’ve just got to move on and focus on our next game," Waianae coach Cyrilla Manuel said after the loss. "Mililani, whoa. They were awesome. They came out with more intensity than the first time we played."

Mules solve the Bulldogs

Leilehua coach Elroy Dumlao did something Kapolei and Roosevelt couldn’t do: slow down the hot Kaimuki Bulldogs.

The Mules, who rallied past the Bulldogs 57-51 in an OIA Red semifinal Saturday, wouldn’t let Kaimuki find a consistent comfort zone. They harassed Canny Aikau and Princess Lauvao into a combined 13-for-37 shooting.

"We wanted to close the gaps. They penetrate and kick to the shooters, so we decided if we’re going to lose, it’s not going to be with Kaimuki hitting from outside," Dumlao said.

Leilehua post Elyshia Bowden went down on the game’s final play, aggravating a right knee injury.

"She’s strong. She’ll be back," Jerrilyn Maluyo said. "But I’ve never seen her cry before."