NINTH IN A SERIES » A big red school from a small country town is in the hunt for a Division I girls basketball state championship.

It's not Kahuku, which is in D-II. Lahainaluna, a semifinalist in last year's D-I state tourney, has toppled just about every foe near and far.

With center Milika Taufa patiently wrecking defenses inside and point guard Maiki Viela carving through some of the state's top teams, the Lady Lunas have been almost unbeatable.

Lahainaluna is the No. 2 team in the Star-Bulletin Girls Basketball Preseason Top 10.

On paper: Taufa, a 5-foot-11 senior, returns from last season's 23-2 squad. Using her size and understanding of angles, she can go up with either hand, and her shooting touch from mid-range makes her even tougher to stop.

“;Milika is definitely the most dominant center in the state. Down low, you'd have to double- and triple-team her,”; coach Todd Rickard said. “;She doesn't run the floor as good as she used to, but she's stronger now.”;

In a win over Farrington three weeks ago, Viela used screens by Taufa to execute and get open looks, including 3-pointers. Viela scored 20 points with four assists and four steals in that game, and Taufa had 16 points and 10 boards. The next night, Lahainaluna edged Punahou in overtime.

Lahainaluna is already 12-2, including a 3-0 start in the Maui Interscholastic League. The only losses have been to defending state champion Konawaena.

The skinny: Six seniors graduated, including Rachael Rickard and Ofa Namoa, but talent continues to funnel in from the Menehune youth program established by coach Rickard years ago.

Former Menehune players Anna Lauese, Lahela Akima and Akanesi Malamala are getting plenty of playing time in MIL blowout wins.

The second-best team in the MIL is Molokai, but the Lunas won't face the D-II Farmers.

“;It's not just a challenge against MIL teams, but a challenge against themselves. Try not to miss layups and free throws. They face each other at practice and they go hard,”; Rickard said. “;If we take it for granted, we might have some problems.”;

X factor: The Lady Lunas should go far again as long as Taufa and Viela stay out of foul trouble.