It wasn’t flawless, but it was pretty darn close.
The Roosevelt Rough Riders swarmed all over Kailua, forcing 26 turnovers while getting a superb performance from senior Devyn Kauhi in a 71-48 win on Saturday at James Alegre Gymnasium.
The victory vaulted Roosevelt (14-2) into the championship game of the Red Conference playoffs. The Rough Riders, ranked No. 7 in the Star-Advertiser Girls Basketball Top 10, will meet No. 3 Mililani on Wednesday at Radford’s Alegre Gymnasium.
It’s a big step forward for Roosevelt, which was upset in the OIA Red quarterfinals last season by Kaimuki.
"It’s good. We’re one step closer to where we want to be," Roosevelt coach Hinano Higa said. "It’s never comfortable just because you have a big lead."
It was a decisive end to a Cinderella run by coach Mandy Llamedo’s Kailua squad, which was a Division II program just two years ago. The Surfriders beat Waianae and No. 10 Leilehua earlier in the week to qualify for the state tournament but seemed a step slow against the ultra-quick Rough Riders.
Kauhi was a big factor. The 5-foot-10 post scored 16 points, above her season average of nine per game, while hustling for nine rebounds and five steals.
"For Devyn, she’s been leading us in rebounding, getting steals, blocks out. Today was a bonus because she scored a lot," Higa said.
The coach thought maybe a senior luau on Friday helped get Kauhi especially motivated. Kauhi was just amped to play, period.
"Before the game, we always say a team prayer, and that always gets us super pumped up and ready to go," Kauhi said. "We were definitely hungry to play at a time when it really counts."
The Rough Riders went on a
14-5 run in the opening quarter to take command. A relentless fullcourt press by Roosevelt stifled Kailua, which committed 14 first-half turnovers and trailed 42-21 at intermission.
Roosevelt’s rapid transition game led to all kinds of easy scoring opportunities in the paint and from the 3-point arc. Junior Tatiana Mariano played big with 13 points, five boards, five assists and two steals, while another post,
5-11 sophomore Keala Quinlan, finished with 10 points and four caroms.
Roosevelt’s deep backcourt came through despite two fouls by starting guard Sharice Kawakami in the first 50 seconds. While Kawakami rode the pine, reserve guard Ashley Kiko stepped in and hit two early 3-pointers to set the tone. Kawakami finished with eight points, while Starr Rivera tallied nine points and five assists.
"We’ve been working all season for all the girls to fill in and do their part. Ashley Kiko went out there and filled that spot," Higa said.
Tara Takata led Kailua (12-6) with 13 points and four assists. Delcie Williams finished with 12 points and six rebounds, and Patria Vaimaona was under constant defensive pressure all night. She had five points, seven rebounds and three steals.
"I’ve heard that they’re tough," Higa said of Mililani. "I haven’t seen them play. We’re just excited to play them (in the final)."
Roosevelt won its first girls hoops title in 1982 under coach Peter Haliniak.
Kailua has never won an OIA girls basketball title.
| At James Alegre Gymnasium |
| Kailua (9-4) |
10 |
11 |
11 |
16 |
— |
48 |
| Roosevelt (12-0) |
18 |
24 |
16 |
13 |
— |
71 |
KAILUA—Delcie Williams 12, Keala Kaio-Perez 5, Kainani Peters 2, Leilani Lastimosa 6, Tara Takata 13, Kahea Makua 2, Tiani Lastimosa 1, Kawehi Perry 0, Bridget Pulusia 2, Patria Vaimoana 5.
ROOSEVELT—Ashley Kiko 6, Sharice Kawakami 8, Tavae Sina Sofa 2, Starr Rivera 9, Kaohi Kapiko 5, Devyn Kauhi 16, Keala Quinlan 10, Destiny Holani 2, Muna Cook 0, Tatiana Mariano 13.
3-point goals—Kailua 1 (Takata), Roosevelt 6 (Kiko 2, Kawakami, Rivera, Kapiko, Quinlan).
No. 3 Mililani 60, Moanalua 53
Sarah Liva went 12-for-15 from the field and finished with 28 points as the Lady Trojans escaped with a narrow win over Na Menehune.
Mililani (20-2) faced a tough, fullcourt man-to-man defense by Moanalua and couldn’t feed the ball to Liva, their 6-1 post, with consistency. The lead bounced between four and eight points for the entire fourth quarter for coach Patrick Basilio’s Trojans put the game away.
“We did a lot of talking. It’s really loud, but we can kind of recognize each other’s voices. We kept our composure,” Liva said.
Shantel Appleby added 10 points and Summer Bolibol added nine.
LaChae McColor led Moanalua (11-7) with 22 points. Point guard Ciera O’Brien scored 11 points and helped keep her team close in the final quarter with a series of tough drives for buckets.
The Trojans haven’t played Roosevelt all season.
“I know Roosevelt has really good guards and they’re really quick, just like Moanalua,” Liva added. “Despite that, I’m very confident in my team. We can come out strong and give them a good game.”
Moanalua will host Kailua on Wednesday in the OIA’s third-place game. Both teams have already sealed state-tourney berths.
Mililani led 31-19 at the break, but Moanalua started the second half with steals for layups by by Jazmina Lafitaga and McColor. After McColor drove the lane for a tough layup, Na Menehune were on a 6-1 run and had the lead down to seven.
| At James Alegre Gymnasium |
| Moanalua (9-3) |
10 |
9 |
15 |
19 |
— |
53 |
| Mililani (12-0) |
18 |
13 |
9 |
20 |
— |
60 |
MOANALUA–LaChae McColor 22, Sydnie Canencia 0, Ciera O’Brien 11, Keahi-lele Roy 3, Hokukealani Mateo 4, Jazmina Lafitaga 9, Cherie Bento 4.
MILILANI–Jerika Dacuycuy 0, Kayla Torres 0, Kristen Tamagawa 0, Jamie Yuki 6, Mikaela Limper 7, Zyriana Davies 0, Shantel Appleby 10, Summer Bolibol 9, Sarah Liva 28.
3-point goals–Moanalua 3 (McColor, O’Brien, Roy), Mililani 1 (Limper).
ILH DIVISION II GIRLS
Hawaii Baptist 43, Punahou II 31
Rylie Wada had 10 points as the Eagles remained undefeated with a win over the Buffanblu.
| At Punahou gym |
| HBA (8-0) |
9 |
12 |
15 |
7 |
— |
43 |
| Punahou II (6-3) |
5 |
7 |
6 |
13 |
— |
31 |
HAWAII BAPTIST–Kiara Chun 0, Jennifer Gonsalves 0, Stephanie Dang 9, Sara Utsugi 4, Nicole Lopes 0, Ashley Benn 0, Rylie Wada 10, Caitlen Joy Ramos 6, Taylor White 4, Kaily Lum 0, Keisha Ching 2, Jenee Brown 0, Dominique Hart 8.
PUNAHOU II--Rachel Garcia 0, Kelly Honda 3, Becky Yim 0, Melissa Nakamoto 2, Malia Mizuno 2, Brieanna Goo 0, Laakea Marquez 5, Mackenzie Feldman 10, Cassandra Uyema 5, Kayla Amano 0, Kasey Li 1, Monica San Luis 3, Emily Young 0, Kealohilani Myers-Rosa 0, Tatiana Garzon 0, Megan Lau 0.
3-point goals–Hawaii Baptist 2 (Dang, Wada). Punahou II 3 (Honda, Uyema, San Luis).
Also
BIIF
Konawaena 43, Hawaii Prep 16
OIA EAST BOYS
No. 5 Farrington 82, Kaimuki 56
Jacob McEnroe poured in 28 points as the Govs overwhelmed the Bulldogs. Christian Ono led Kaimuki with 16 points
| At Kaimuki gym |
| Farrington (7-1) |
22 |
17 |
25 |
18 |
— |
82 |
| Kaimuki (1-7) |
15 |
15 |
10 |
16 |
— |
56 |
FARRINGTON–Jacob McEnroe 28, Mark Dudalao 0, Isaiah Smith 7, Van Hugo 12, Isaiah Visoria 9, Tua Unutoa 10, Seu Luafatasaga 0, Jay-Ar Francisco 2, Francis Fepuleai 0, John Paul Raymundo 2, Manley Williams 0, Bernard Dela Cruz 2, Makana Correira 2, Mason Semisi 8.
KAIMUKI–Christian Ono 16, Sloan Fuller 4, Jerry Betiru 15, Kency Owens 0, Akira Vernon 9, Kenny Fujioka 3, Kenneth Neo 5, Faafetai Lucio 0, Tayler Espinda 4.
3-point goals–Farrington 5 (McEnroe 2, Van Hugo 2, Smith). Kaimuki 4 (Ono 2, Fujioka, Betiru).
Junior varsity–Kaimuki 55, Farrington 52
No. 6 Kalaheo 50, McKinley 47
Kupaa Harrison scored 13 of his 21 points before halftime to lead the Mustangs over the Tigers.
| At McKinley gym |
| Kalaheo (7-1) |
13 |
18 |
6 |
13 |
— |
50 |
| McKinley (4-4) |
10 |
13 |
13 |
11 |
— |
47 |
KALAHEO–Zach Marrotte 0, Kupaa Harrison 21, Kekai Smith 13, Dario Delcastillo 8, Thomas Focht 0, L.J. Barnes 6, Kela Thoms 2.
MCKINLEY–Erolina Javier 1, Brennan Waters 4, Dan Villejo 10, Joramae Otarra 4, Nelson Pita 7, Macjun Otarra 4, Dayton Lee 15, Kaimi Kini 2.
3-point goals–Kalaheo 3 (Smith 2, Harrison). McKinley 5 (Lee 5).
Junior varsity–McKinley 30, Kalaheo 29
Kahuku 74, Kalani 48
Hirkley Latu scored 20 points to lead the Red Raiders over the Falcons. Alexander Tungpalan had 10 points in the loss.
| At Kalani gym |
| Kahuku (4-3) |
9 |
16 |
27 |
22 |
— |
74 |
| Kalani (3-5) |
11 |
10 |
15 |
12 |
— |
48 |
KAHUKU–Keanu Akina 15, Chance Maghanoy 0, Drayton Aki 2, Huleia Naeole 3, Wilton Cravens 12, Kesi Ah Hoy 0, Soli Afalava 4, Hirkley Latu 20, Samuta Avea 12, Tuli Wily-Matagi 6.
KALANI–Jeremy Robinson 0, Dallas Ascuncion 9, Shane Ra 5, Jaron Yamauchi 5, Alexander Tungpalan 10, Cory Mitchell 8, Blaise Manabe 3, Dunavan Hahn 0, Brandon Roberts 7, John Suda 0, Juwan Bohannon 0, David Faletoi 0, Kevin Kang 1.
3-point goals– Kahuku 8 (Cravens 4, Akina 3, Avea). Kalani 4 (Tungpalan 2, Ascuncion, Mitchell)
Junior varsity–Kahuku 49, Kalani 31
Moanalua 45, Kaiser 41
Aljohn Bumanglag had 12 points as Na Menehune held off the Cougars.
| At Kaiser gym |
| Moanalua (6-2) |
12 |
15 |
11 |
7 |
— |
45 |
| Kaiser (3-5) |
9 |
11 |
9 |
12 |
— |
41 |
MOANALUA–Elo Badua 0, Aljohn Bumanglag 12, Eric Miyauchi 0, Christian Casinas 0, Darren Fontanilla 0, Jamaal Willis 9, Antoine Hines 10, Charles Johnson-Maverick 8, Karson Cruz 2, Jordan Williams 2, Aaron Stuart 2, Gabriel Patton 0.
KAISER–Tarius Hill 8, Kelsey Lewis 13, Melvin Kahunanaui 8, Nicolas Tom 3, Nicholas Lebeck 0, Trevin Kahunanui 0, Chance Kalaugher 7, Matt Haili 2, Marcus Mafi 0, Michael Okamoto 0.
3-point goals–Moanalua 2 (Bumanglag, Hines). Kaiser 3 (Lewis 3)
Junior varsity–Kaiser def. Moanalua, score unavailable.
Castle 51, Anuenue 28
Justin Pang scored 12 points and David Benevedes added 11 as the Knights blasted Na Koa.
At Castle gym
ANUENUE–Ikaika Benjamin 5, Kamana’opono Grace-Kekawa 0, Kamalu Kamauoha 2, Kimo Romena 7, Pono Kahili 5, Na’alii Dureg 4, Kailau Keola 5, Kaleo Lindsey 0.
CASTLE–Chad Figueroa 0, Lalio Keawe-Aiko-Tilton 3, Justin Pang 12, Aukai Keawe-Aiko-Tilton 0, KJ Ng 6, Sonny Oana 1, Clay Mitchell 4, Joseph Lilio III 4, David Benevedes 11, Keanu Furtado 8, Bryson Aiwohi 2, Klayton Tilton-Futa 0.
3-point goals–Anuenue 2 (Benjamin, Keola). Castle 4 (Pang 3, Ng).
OIA WEST BOYS
Mililani 69, Pearl City 51
Noel Bueno had 21 points and Elijah Butler added 20 as the Trojans downed the Chargers.
| At Pearl City gym |
| Mililani (6-1) |
22 |
16 |
9 |
22 |
— |
69 |
| Pearl City (4-3) |
18 |
7 |
11 |
15 |
— |
51 |
MILILANI–Braiden Rosario 0, Cameron Muh 2, Jeremy Rozmeski 3, Noel Bueno 21, Kingston Nishimura 4, Cody Sison 5, Elijah Gambol 6, Ian Namu 4, Sean Fitzgerald 3, Elijah Butler 20, Logan Griff 0, Mason Mackey 1.
PEARL CITY–Tylor Canon 6, Eric Dela Pena 17, Justin Bautista 2, Shandy Reyes 0, Matthew Garcia 3, Joshua Arellano 2, Ivan Nakasone 8, Christopher Roy 0, Garette Kanamu 11, Bryson Galdeira 2.
3-point goals–Mililani 2 (Bueno, Gambol). Pearl City 2 (Nakasone, Canon).
Junior varsity–Mililani 51, Pearl City 34
Leilehua 64, Waialua 55
Joseph Gouty had 14 points as the Mules beat the Bulldogs. Xavier Repollo scored 22 for Waialua.
| At Waialua gym |
| Leilehua (4-3) |
18 |
23 |
10 |
13 |
— |
64 |
| Waialua (1-7) |
17 |
5 |
14 |
19 |
— |
55 |
LEILEHUA–Kainoa Aleviado 4, Jarron Kim-Raguirag 2, Chanse Ramirez 8, Joseph Gouty 14, Kevin Brown 6, Anterrio Gainwell 6, Diego Aguirresaenz 0, Trevor Williams 0, Elijah Calzo 4, Koa Kauhi 0, Dhyllan Amond 0, Pomai Cozo 3, Bryan Mason 9, Torenzo Vereen 8, Epeli Natoko 0.
WAIALUA–Sean Murphy 0, Jeren Dingal 10, Xavier Repollo 22, Royce Gasper 5, Virgilio Bareng 7, Kaimana Equires 5, Tripp Blaser 4, Aaron Nunez 0, Wyatt Rushing 0, Jeffery Bareng 2, Tyler Meyers 0.
3-point goals–Leilehua 5 (Gouty 2, Gainwell 2, Cozo). Waialua 6 (Repollo 3, Dingle 2, V. Bareng).
Kapolei 52, Waianae 46
Chance Kamaka had seven of his game-high 17 points in the fourth quarter as the Hurricanes beat the Seariders.
| At Kapolei gym |
| Waianae (6-2) |
12 |
10 |
7 |
17 |
— |
46 |
| Kapolei (4-3) |
4 |
13 |
15 |
20 |
— |
52 |
WAIANAE–Tyger Rohr 6, Natano Namulauti 0, Josh Searles 2, Makana Piilani 12, Ikaika Trueman-Reed 0, Austin Thomas 5, Bronson Brown-Kaopua 15, Sage Cruz 6, Zeffaniyah Kauihana-Kaimimoku 0, K. Pennington 0.
KAPOLEI–Zhaine Canne 0, Koa Alvarado 8, Abdel-Kader Ziane 4, Jeffery Garret 0, Augustine Stridiron 2, Benjahmin Toomolatai 5, Matthew Henderson 3, Austin Wasson 0, Chance Kamaka 17, Micah Kapoi 13.
3-point goals–Waianae 6 (Piilani 4, Rohr 2). Kapolei 1 (Kamaka).
Junior varsity–Kapolei 59, Waianae 39.
ILH DIVISION II BOYS
Damien 34, Hawaii Baptist 20
Jaylen Layco scored 12 points to lead the Monarchs over the Eagles. Damien led 5-0 at halftime as both teams held the ball and ran time off the clock in the first half.
| At Damien gym |
| HBA (5-2) |
0 |
0 |
9 |
11 |
— |
20 |
| Damien (5-2) |
2 |
3 |
8 |
21 |
— |
34 |
HAWAII BAPTIST–BJ Hosaka 7, Brent Vargas 0, Mike Dang 0, Ty Minatoya 3, Danton Tominaga 3, Matthew Kishaba 3, Jordan Kauwe 4, John Killough 0, Bryson Hirokawa 0, Dallas Wong 0, Joshua Kishaba 0, Brett Miller 0, Christian Pingree 0, Bobby Bouche 0.
DAMIEN–Brandon Estacio 0, Ernie Kornya IV 3, Kobe Ikari 2, Aaron Miyahira 0, Jaylen Layco 12, Linden Quintal 4, Reggie Liunoras 0, Bransen Apao 0, Kapi’ina King 9, Paul Galang 0, Rakeeb Craig Jr. 0, Ezekiel Naum 0, Cameron Mogpoc 0, Rocklen Mori 4, James Roy 0.
3-point goals–Hawaii Baptist 2 (Minatoya, Tominaga). Damien 1 (Kornya IV).
University High 29, Hanalani 27, OT
Anthony Canencia scored 10 points, including a bucket in overtime, to help the Junior ‘Bows rally past the Royals.
| At Hanalani gym |
| University (5-1) |
8 |
6 |
8 |
4 |
3 |
— |
29 |
| Hanalani (1-6) |
10 |
7 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
— |
27 |
UNIVERSITY–Anthony Canencia 10, Anson Canencia 2, Eric Leung 4, Shaun Mahiko 6, Ryan Hobus 2, Frank Hobus 0, Lachlan MacLeod 0, Joshua Akamine 0, Tyler Yoshinaga 0, Micah Kahumoku 5, Milton Monico 0.
HANALANI–Zane Pantil 5, John Brady 8, Jeff Schaake 7, Logan Oyama 0, Josh Rotz 2, Colby Schoniwitz 5, Tyler Cruz 0.
3-point goals–University High none. Hanalani 2 (Pantil, Brady ).
St. Francis 79, Le Jardin 49
Ranan Mamiya scored 20 points and Kyle Lau added 16 as the Saints defeated the Bulldogs.
Statistics not reported.
ILH DIVISION III BOYS
Island Pacific 49, Lanakila Baptist 26
| At Hanalani gym |
| IPA (4-1) |
15 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
— |
49 |
| LBS (1-4) |
7 |
4 |
6 |
9 |
— |
26 |
ISLAND PACIFIC–Brian Arde 0, Josiah Gabriel 0, Dustin Agbayani 0, John Black 14, Ian Schumaker 11, Brett Arakawa 4, Dalton Wood 2, Ryan Tosiulai 6, Andrew McCarthy 6, Micah Lum 0, Michael Brenner 6, Rhenz Iloreta 0, Tyler Tasaka 0, Irvin Cabreros 0.
LANAKILA BAPTIST–Keanu Cikowsky 7, Roycen Routt 7, Robert Baker 2, Geo Julian 2, Jerrold Mariano 8, Colton Salvador 0, Joshua Carlton 0.
3-point goals–Island Pacific 2 (McCarthy 2). Lanakila Baptist 2 (Cikowsky, Mariano).
Also
MIL
Lanai 66, St. Anthony 52
