Defense spurs
Rams past Mules

At first glance, the final score of Radford's 30-26 season-opening win over Leilehua might indicate that the chilly weather outside had an effect on the shooting that went on inside the Mules' Gym.

But despite the 56 total points scored, the atmosphere on the court was anything but cold, as both teams featured active defensive efforts that accounted for 26 steals.

Returning first-team OIA West selection Tereva Moore was a difference-maker for the Rams, putting forth a strong all-around effort that saw her lead all players with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Moore also added four steals.

"We expect her to play a complete game," said Radford coach David Lane. "She had a good Kalaheo tournament and she knows that she needs to play well because everybody knows who she is this year."

Although Radford never trailed in the game, Leilehua was able to run the entire way, using a pressure defense to create transition scoring opportunities, closing the gap each time the Rams started to pull away.

"They did a good job, as they always do," Lane said. "They're a well-coached team and we didn't deal with their pressure very well at all."

Senior point guard Laree Rodrigues, along with back-court mate Charlene Barromeo, led Leilehua with six points. She also recorded five steals and three rebounds.

During one stretch at the beginning of the second half, Rodrigues scored two straight buckets for the Mules and had three big steals as Leilehua closed to within two points of the Rams.

"We tried to run a lot off of our defensive pressure, but the girls were getting tired quickly," Leilehua coach Elroy Dumlao said. "So we tried to get into our system and tried some different sets.

"But Laree was good tonight. She put out a good effort, and she's our leader, so the team goes as she goes, and tonight we had our chances."

Rodrigues and Borromeo ignited Leilehua again in the fourth quarter as the Mules ran off nine straight points to again pull within a basket of the Rams.

Free-throw shooting was the difference for Radford, as the Rams converted on 14 of 17 foul shots. Conversely, Leilehua made only five of 12 free throws.

Radford also pulled down 25 rebounds.

"Those are our strengths," Lane said. "Free throws and rebounding are fundamental, so we know they're important."

The Rams face Pearl City next Tuesday, while Leilehua will travel to play rival Mililani.

"That's going to be another barnburner," Dumlao said. "That's always a big one for us, so hopefully we can carry over the intensity."

At Leilehua H.S. gym

Radford (1-0)	13	0	9	8	--	30
Leilehua (0-1)	5	4	5	12	--	26

RADFORD--Sonya Legaspi 2, Nicole Grebe 0, Celina Cruz 2, Sarah Brown 0, Marlena Malepeai 6, Tereva Moore 13, Chelsea-Ann Villanueva 5, Gabby Rellin 0, Marie Fe Bumanglag 0, Chadney Thompson 2.
LEILEHUA--Laree Rodrigues 6, Mahela Punley 0, Charlene Borromeo 6, Trisha Reitz 1, Brittaney Stafford 5, Isis Atualevao 3, Lin'keshia Green 0, Marquesha Mcvea 5, Joray Nacapuy 0.
3-point goals -- Radford 0, Leilehua 1 (Stafford).
Junior varsity -- Leilehua 50, Radford 44

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Kapolei 46, Mililani 39, OT: Shanna Arthur's 3-pointer with 5 seconds left forced overtime, and the Hurricanes went 5-for-6 from the free-throw line in the extra period to steal a victory over the Trojans.
Jerrell Taituave scored a game-high 15 points and Charmeine Jackson added 10 for the Hurricanes. The Trojans were led by Lori Nonies, who had 12.
At Mililani H.S. gym

Kapolei (1-0)	16	12	2	7	9	--	46
Mililani (0-1)	9	12	10	6	2	--	39

KAPOLEI--Berlyn Bebera 2, Becka Sinamu 6, Charmeine Jackson 10, Jasmine Gipson 0, Kayla Kam 10, Jerrell Taituave 15, Shanna Arthur 3.
MILILANI--Christina Korodan 6, Rayna Downey 2, Ulu Ahsam 2, Lori Nonies 12, Ashley Anthony 2, Joleen Realin 8, Chelcey Pang 7, Makani Duhaylonsod 0.
3-point goals -- Kapolei 2 (Arthur, Jackson), Mililani 0.

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Pearl City 47, Campbell 40: Jazmin Pahukoa-Malia nailed four 3-pointers and scored 14 of her 22 points in the second half as Pearl City held off a late Campbell rally.
Everly San Agustin made two 3s and finished with a team-high 14 points to lead Campbell.
At Campbell H.S. gym

Pearl City (1-0)	13	9	17	8	--	47
Campbell (0-1)	6	6	13	15	--	40

PEARL CITY--Crystal Tadeo 1, Tiana Bolosan 0, Desiree Luis 0, Lindsay Cartwright 2, Channette Nakama 6, Tazha Passi 0, Jazmin Pahukoa-Malia 22, Tiffany Manning 11, Mele Laulea 5.
CAMPBELL--Cheyna Tagura 2, Nicole Jackson 1, Latara Tano 8, Everly San Agustin 14, Shiann Leong 0, Tiani Sojot 0, Jenna Contemplo 3, Jasmine Valentin 2, Jenny Sweeney 7, Cierra Tagura 0, Alexis Pagharion 0, Darlyn Livae 3, Nicole Gardner 0.
3-point goals -- Pearl City 4 (Pahukoa-Malia 4), Campbell 4 (San Agustin 2, Tano 2).
Junior varsity -- Pearl City 40, Campbell 18