Kamehameha runs away with title

Analee Viena-Lota scored all eight of her points in the first half as Kamehameha defeated Moanalua 59-27 in the final of the First Hawaiian Bank/Lady Na Menehune Peek Tournament last night.

Moanalua shot well in the opening minutes, but went cold as Kamehameha shot the lights out. Jamie Ronolo led Moanalua (8-4) with eight points.

The Warriors closed nonconference play with an 8-0 mark. At Moanalua's tourney, they showcased their depth and skill in wins over Leilehua (60-19), Lahainaluna (61-36) and Moanalua. Kamehameha's average margin of victory was nearly 33 points per game.

More than that, it was the Warriors' improvement mentally that made coach Clay Cockett smile.

"I'm gonna buy ice cream for everybody," the longtime coach said. "I liked our attention to what we're supposed to do."

Cockett pointed to his reserves with that note. The Warriors bench combined to score 39 points last night, including 10 by sharpshooter Tiana Abbley.

Moanalua coach Rick Gonsalves wasn't surprised. He is familiar with many of the Warriors through offseason clinics.

"We did all right against their second team," he said. "You're looking at what could be the state championship team."

Precisely what Kamehameha has improved on is something Cockett is keeping mum.

"I can't tell you 'cause Iolani is watching," he said, referring to Raiders coach Glenn Takara, who was in attendance.

With Kamehameha ahead 13-8, Viena-Lota hit back-to-back jumpers to spark a pivotal run. After the 5-foot-9 senior hit a jumper from the left elbow, Kamehameha led 27-8 with 5 minutes left in the first half.

Kamehameha, which opened with a man-to-man defense, stymied Moanalua by using a 2-3 zone. Moanalua shot 5-for-16 from the field in the first half and committed nine turnovers.

After taking a 34-14 halftime lead, Kamehameha went back to a man defense and shackled Na Menehune.

"This tournament has boosted our confidence," said forward Rhani Kaneaiakala, who had eight points and five steals. "Now we have to get ready for Iolani."

Kamehameha meets Iolani in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu season opener on Tuesday.

Lahainaluna 60, Aiea 45

Freshman Milika Taufa scored 22 points as the Lady Lunas overpowered Na Alii in the third-place game. Ofa Namoa added 14 points and Rachael Rickard tallied 13 for Lahainaluna (7-1). Capri Holiona led Aiea with 16 points. Natasha Helsham added 12.

Leilehua 31, Punahou II 21

Brittaney Stafford scored 16 points to lead the Mules over the Division II Buffanblu in the fifth-place game. Jessica Letoto paced Punahou with eight points.

Waialua 34, Kealakehe 23

Chelsey Ramirez scored 10 points for the Bulldogs in the seventh-place game. Dannielle Bean led the Waveriders with nine points.

All-tournament team

Eight players were honored by the tournament: Ashley Carillo, Waialua; Tracie Bernabe, Kealakehe; Aubrie Lau, Punahou II; Brittaney Stafford, Leilehua; Milika Taufa, Lahainaluna; Natasha Helsham, Aiea; Analee Viena-Lota, Kamehameha.