Hilo keeps on winning,
opens conference strong

Hawaii-Hilo won its ninth straight basketball game -- and first conference contest -- with a 92-56 thrashing of Western New Mexico Friday night.

Scott Prather led four Vulcans in double-figures scoring with 16 points on 6-for-15 shooting from the field.

Derek MgBeke scored 13, Kyle Bartholomew had 12 and Brady Hyde pitched in 10.

Bartholomew nearly had another double-double, grabbing eight rebounds in just 23 minutes of the blowout.

All 13 Vulcans played and scored as Hilo went to the line twice as many times (18) as the Mustangs (9).

Hoesterey hot at Rainbow Invitational

Hawaii swimmer Morgan Hoesterey led her heat and event in the 50 meter freestyle yesterday in the final day of the Rainbow Invitational at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.

Hoesterey swam the distance in 24.27, beating teammate Cindy Goudie's second place time of 24.99.

Hawaii's divers will host the Rainbow Diving Invitational tomorrow and Tuesday.

Tennis challenge set for Waikoloa Village

The third annual Hilton Waikoloa Village Challenge, a pre-qualifying tournament for the annual USTA event on the Big Island, will take place Jan. 13-14 at the Village's Kohala Tennis Garden.

The event awards a wild card entry into the qualifying draw of the challenger, which takes place Jan. 20 and 21. last year, Kona village pro Roger Hart represented Hawaii's amateur community.

To enter the challenge, contact Kohala Tennis at 886-1234, extension 1293. The entry fee is $30.

Basketball brains come together at QB Club

Three basketball coaches and a football player will speak at the Quarterback Club tomorrow.

Kalaheo coach Pete Smith will lead off the festivities, followed by Mark Mugiishi of Iolani and Hawaii Pacific's Tony Selitto. Hawaii return man Chad Owens will also speak at the program, which begins at noon.

Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.

Ronald McDonald House benefits from Hula Bowl

For the second straight year, a portion of every ticket sold to the Hula Bowl on Maui will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii.

The game is scheduled for Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium in Maui.

Windward PONY baseball registration going on

Registration for Windward PONY youth baseball has started at Enchanted Lake Elementary School and the Waimanalo Beach Park Pavilion.

Boys and girls ages 5-17 should bring their birth certificates and proof of medical insurance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Call E.W. Smith at 523-5050 for more information.