Konawaena still has what it takes to win
POSTED: Saturday, January 02, 2010
Championship teams often have a singular, dominant presence. A scorer, normally.
In the case of defending Division I state champion Konawaena, it's about defense. No team in the state swarmed the floor as effectively while still maintaining balance offensively last season.
With the return of several key starters, such as Star-Bulletin player of the year Lia Galdeira, the Wildcats are No. 1 in the Star-Bulletin Girls Basketball Preseason Top 10.
On paper: Dating to last season, the Wildcats (13-1) have won 37 games in a row against local competition. Wins this winter already include two over No. 2 Lahainaluna, two more over No. 7 'Iolani and one against No. 6 Mid-Pacific. The lone loss was to Southridge (Ore.).
The 'Cats, who have won three state titles since 2004, take defense this seriously: During last season's 28-2 title campaign, 18 foes were limited to 36 points or fewer. Eight of those teams didn't score more than 24 points.
GIRLS TOP 10
1. Konawaena |
“;Our defense is our strength this year. Our first five have been pretty good on defense, but our second team is pretty foul-prone,”; coach Bobbie Awa said. “;Sometimes, we have dry spells on offense, so we really need to work on our halfcourt sets.”;
Defensively, Galdeira and Dawnyelle Awa lead the charge. The two aren't imposing in size or demeanor; they simply read passing lanes, tip rebounds in traffic to teammates and convert opportunities into fast-break layups better than any duo in the state.
Galdeira was at her best in the state final, a thrilling 54-50 double-overtime win over Punahou. The 5-foot-8 guard had 23 points, nine rebounds and four steals as the 'Cats finished the season with their 24th win in a row.
Awa, who had eight assists and six caroms in the final, is also just a sophomore this season.
The skinny: Key contributors Kara Hanato-Smith, an All-State Fab 15 guard, and center Kim Brown were big losses to graduation. Hanato-Smith's sister, Thea, has emerged as a deadly 3-point gunner and stellar on-ball defender, much in the image of Kara.
Anuhea Wall (5-foot-9) has also stepped up as a strong defender in the post and a reliable scorer in the paint. Wall's low-post defense put a lid on Mid-Pacific center Keaton McFadden during the 'Iolani Classic three weeks ago, resulting in a 54-42 Wildcats win.
“;Anu's working hard, running the floor and grabbing boards,”; Awa said.
X factor: Hoku Liftee and Courtney Kaupu (5-9) are two new pieces to the 'Cats' system. With so much talent coming out of the Kona Stingrays youth basketball club, the Wildcats understand the nuances of winning games.
