Kaiser’s seniors took a bow at midcourt after playing their final regular-season game Tuesday night.
But it was by no means a farewell.
The Cougars celebrated senior night with a 62-47 win over Farrington and will be back in their home gym for their opening game in the OIA Red girls basketball playoffs next week.
The Cougars (10-1) entered the game having locked up second place in the OIA East and will have a bye in the first round of the playoffs. They’ll host a second-round game.
“We won some close games, we had some ugly wins, but all the credit goes to our girls,” Kaiser coach Simon Bitanga said. “Our girls really came through. In the beginning of the season we were struggling offensively, defensively, and I just told them it’s up to them and they stepped up.”
The Cougars’ defense stepped forward in the third quarter to spur the win over Farrington (2-8) to close the regular season.
Led by forward Penina Faumui, the Governors took a four-point lead in the third quarter before Kaiser’s defense pressured Farrington into a string of turnovers that sparked a 15-2 run bridging the third and fourth quarters.
“We picked it up, and when we get on a roll, we can keep it,” Kaiser senior Micaela Bitanga said. “Our (guards) can press, they’re super fast and they know what to do up there.”
Freshman guard Roselynn Shimaoka contributed to the senior festivities by leading four Cougars in double figures with 15 points. Junior Chantelle Arce hit three 3-pointers in the first quarter and finished with 12 points. Senior Ashley Soong contributed 11 points and Bitanga had 10.
Faumui, the Governors’ lone varsity returnee this season, led all scorers with 19 points and center Jeneva Toilolo added 10 to help keep Farrington in contention for a playoff berth until the Cougars pulled away in the fourth quarter.
The Governors began the day tied with Kalani for sixth place in the OIA East and needed a win or a Falcons loss to qualify for the playoffs. Kalani, however, beat Castle 49-40.
Where the experience of seven seniors helped power Kaiser into the playoffs, Farrington had just one senior, which should give the Governors a solid base to build on.
“All season it was turnovers, that’s what breaks down our team,” Farrington coach Steven Leopoldo said. “We were there (with Kaiser), but that’s how it goes. We’ll come back stronger next year.”
Faumui scored Farrington’s first seven points and drew the defensive assignment when Micaela Bitanga went into the post. But Arce’s 3-point shooting sent Kaiser to an 18-10 lead after the first quarter.
“Once I put Micaela on the box, it left Chantelle open and gave us open shots to run our offense,” Simon Bitanga said.
The teams went into halftime tied at 29 and Faumui continued to control the paint as Farrington took a 37-34 lead. The Cougars tied the game at 37-all on a 3-pointer by Shimaoka, and back-to-back baskets by Micaela Bitanga contributed to Kaiser’s 8-0 run to end the quarter.
The Cougars pulled away from there and will try to stay sharp over the next week as they prepare for the playoffs.
“We’re so excited we’re going to push hard through everything and gonna work hard,” Micaela Bitanga said.
At Kaiser
Farrington (3-8) 12 17 10 8 — 47
Kaiser (10-1) 18 11 16 17 — 62
FARRINGTON—Leah Ramos 2, Hazel Artates 2, Nani Cabato-Machado 3, Megan Aguinaldo 11, Jessica Zane 0, Arabelle Dela Cruz 0, Christine Manganaan 0, Tiare Medeiros 0, Jessica Vele 0, Erin Perry 0, Penina Faumui 19, Jeneva Toilolo 10.
KAISER—Roselynn Shimaoka 15, Chantelle Arce 12, Brandi Arita 4, Taylor Chang-Simeona 0, Jazlyne Rojas 3, Ashley Soong 11, Skye Kaeo 2, Micaela Bitanga 10, Kayla Soong 3, Kayla Nihipali 0, Alissa Soong 2.
3-point goals—Farrington 2 (Cabato-Machado, Aguinaldo), Kaiser 7 (Shimaura, Arce 3, Rojas, Ash. Soong, Bitanga).
ILH DIVISION I GIRLS
No. 2 Kamehameha 80, Sacred Hearts 44
Lilia Maio scored 17 points as the undefeated Warriors beat the winless Lancers.
Sacred Hearts got a team-high 11 points from Paris Johnson.
At Sacred Hearts
Kamehameha (7-0) 17 19 27 17 — 80
Sacred Hearts (0-7) 5 12 9 18 — 44
KAMEHAMEHA—Breann Nueku 6, Kea Ryder 4, Tori-Jean Cambra 5, Kanoe Marks-Mahoe 5, Shelbey Cadinha-Oku 8, Alohi Robins-Hardy 13, Tiare Kanoa 10, Puuwainui Ah-Puck 6, Nicole Kaaihue 6, Lilia Maio 17, Makana Aleki 0.
SACRED HEARTS—Tiare Libarios Moses 9, Megan Ke’ala Rutkowski 7, Brittney Mopas 0, Paris Johnson 11, Ashley Kili Lai 0, Jessica Hanashiro 8, Zoey Yamamoto 3, Kaela Ariana Fiesta 0, Tristan Martin 0, Erica Pagan 6, Vikatolia Tupou 0.
3-point goals—Kamehameha 1 (Marks-Mahoe). Sacred Hearts none.
ILH DIVISION II GIRLS
Hanalani 58, Punahou II 41
Junior center Sarah Liva scored 29 points and pulled down 20 rebounds to power the Royals.
At Hanalani
Punahou II (3-2) 8 7 9 17 — 41
Hanalani (4-1) 13 23 10 12 — 58
PUNAHOU—Kelly Honda 2, Kaheke Martinson 7, Melissa Nakamoto 5, Laakea Marquez 4, Tayler Higgins 4, Arianna Hashimoto 2, Kasey Li 4, Megan Lau 0, Ashley Mae Talion 0, Kayla Amano 3, Juliet Von Rohr 3, Eden Te‘o 3, Vanessa Va‘a 4.
HANALANI—Lyna Kehler 13, Catherine Armstrong 6, Brittany Williams 1, Lexi Hee 0, Keani Sato 1, Dylan McCorquodale 8, Kara Tanaka 0, Sarah Liva 29.
3-point goals—Punahou II 1 (Martinson). Hanalani 2 (Kehler 2).
St. Francis 49, ‘Iolani II 42
Junior forward Alissa Pacarro tossed in a team-high 10 points to lead the Saints past the Raiders.
At Manoa gym
‘Iolani II (3-5) 6 22 9 5 — 42
St. Francis (5-3) 16 16 7 10 — 49
‘IOLANI—Sayge Rezentes 12, Lauren Nikaido 8, Courtney Kennedy 6, Lansing Sugita, Arieta Angafa 4, Sydney Halcro 2, Megan Kibota 0, Jasmine Chen 0, Michelle Maitland 10, Kiana Like-Uehara 0.
ST. FRANCIS— Kayla Jones 8, Alissa Pacarro 10, Hunter Roberts 2, Tori Keliiaa 9, Kiana Flynn, Taylor Bellevou 6, Lacey Satele 9, Ashley Kahapea-Wagner 0, Rachel Carlos 5, Dayna Romero 0.
3-point goals—‘Iolani II 4 (Nikaido 2, Rezentes 2). St. Francis 8 (Satele 3, Jones 2, Keliiaa 2, Pacarro).
University 38, Le Jardin 24
Brooke Kodama scored 14 points to lift the Jr. ’Bows to their fifth win in six league games.
At Klum gym
Le Jardin (4-3) 4 9 4 7 — 24
University (5-1) 10 6 8 14 — 38
LE JARDIN—Jasmine Baginski 2, Renee Van Bergeijk 7, Michelle Takenaka 0, Kelly Kuchenbecker 5, Jordan Gonzales 0, Stephanie Ramos 2, Kacey Kuchenbecker 1, Taylor Valentine 7.
UNIVERSITY—Sue Moraga 0, Markayisha Masani 7, Kianalei Machida 2, Skyler Chun-Ming 4, Michelle Au 4, Brooke Kodama 14, Meagan Mahiko 7.
3-point goals—Le Jardin none. University none
OIA EAST GIRLS
No. 5 Roosevelt 62, Kailua 36
Sharice Kawakami and Tavae Sina Sofa each scored 13 points as the Rough Riders beat the Surfriders.
At Kailua
Roosevelt (11-0) 22 23 11 6 — 62
Kailua (5-6) 5 2 15 14 — 36
ROOSEVELT—Sharice Kawakami 13, Starr Rivera 8, Tavae Sina Sofa 13, Kaohi Kapiko 2, Devyn Kauhi 6, Keala Quinlan 5, Chelsea Wong 7, Tatiana Mariano 0, Stacia Matsumura 0, Alexis Bennett 6, Krystle Chung 2.
KAILUA—Delcie Williams 2, Sharray Racoma-Revyelto 0, Kalia Ripley 2, Keala Kaio-Perez 5, Akamulyn Makua 1, Apolonia Fealofani 3, Brianna Kassebeer 6, Saje Perry 3, Patria Yaimoana 6, Kahoa Mikaele 8, Choryn Beall 0.
3-point goals—Roosevelt 2 (Sina Sofa 2). Kailua 1 (Perry).
Junior varsity—Roosevelt 60, Kailua 15
Kahuku 48, McKinley 40
Sinamoni Tonga scored 15 of her 18 points in the first half, leading the Red Raiders past the Tigers.
Miranda Schmillen finished with 24 points for McKinley.
At McKinley
Kahuku (7-4) 16 11 13 8 — 48
McKinley (6-5) 12 9 6 13 — 40
KAHUKU—Adora Anae 6, Cybil Cravens 2, Sinamoni Tonga 18, Delycia Seui-Matagi 6, Hookela Schwenke 8, Jovelana Muti 2, Tara Tailele 0, Sina Tito 0, Malia Isala 2, Keana Nauahi 0, Tyra Meredith 2, Kahaia Mariteragi 2.
MCKINLEY—Mariz Navarro 0, Laika Aragon 2, Miranda Schmillen 24, Tiare Sugui 5, Jessica Damato 0, Porsche Santiago 0, Taisha Thompson 9, Deborah Malaga 0, Tino Mulitauaopele 0.
3-point goals—Kahuku 2 (Tonga 2). McKinley 4 (Schmillen 4).
Junior varsity—McKinley 34, Kahuku 26
Kalaheo 51, Moanalua 41
Gabby Clark had 14 points as the Mustangs upended Na Menehune.
At Kalaheo
Moanalua (7-4) 11 7 12 11 — 41
Kalaheo (5-6) 12 11 18 10 — 51
MOANALUA — Lachae McColor 5, Jasmine Sagaysay 3, Sydnie Canencia 4, Alexis Asunsion 0, Ahi Roy 5, Ciera O’Brien 16, Hoku Mateo 4, Miki Sylva 2, Cherie Bento 2, Kevynne Fountain-Pokipala 0.
KALAHEO—Lindsey Unsell 4, Jayla Tamashiro 7, Tilani Pua’auli 4, Jade Martins 12, Gabby Clark 14, Tara Takata 3, Pualine Gachalian 0, Ulu Perry 0, Sierra Freitas 3, Rebecca Kahlbaun 4.
3-point goals—Moanalua 3 (O’Brien, Roy, Sagaysay). Kalaheo 2 (Takata, Tamashiro).
Junior varsity—Moanalua 47, Kalaheo 42
Kalani 49, Castle 40
Carly Kakuda scored 24 points, including 10-for-13 on free throws, as the Falcons beat the Knights.
At Kalani
Castle (1-10) 12 7 12 9 — 40
Kalani (4-7) 9 22 8 10 — 49
CASTLE—Darrien Dacosin 6, Qaira Puaauli-Puahi 4, Qaire Puaauli-Puahi 3, Sheastel Tiumalu 16, Shaney Tiumalu 7, Saesha Tilton 4.
KALANI—Carly Kakuda 24, Kimberly Sakamoto 0, Skye Haraga 0, Haley Omiya 5, Kelli Muramaru 4, Taili Iinuma 3, Breanna Beall 7, Samantha Shizuru 0, Sarah Halinowksi 2, Alex Salas 4.
3-point goals—Castle 2 (Dacosin 2). Kalani 4 (Kakuda 2, Beall, Iinuma).
Junior varsity—Castle 40, Kalani 29
Also
Kaimuki def. Anuenue (forfeit)
OIA WEST GIRLS
No. 3 Mililani 72, Waipahu 43
Kira Arruda scored 21 points, including three 3-pointers, as the Trojans defeated the Marauders.
At Waipahu
Mililani (10-0) 16 22 13 21 — 72
Waipahu (2-8) 6 14 9 14 — 43
MILILANI—Jerika Dacuycuy 2, Kaylee Torres 10, Megan Madeira 0, Reiko Naniole 0, Alex Ancheta 0, Jamie Yuki 2, Mikaela Limper 6, Kira Arruda 21, Zyriana Davies 2, Mika Gallardo 0, Summer Bolibol 8, Nayla Long 19, Chantell Appleby 2.
WAIPAHU—Shaina Asada 0, Patricia Malala 14, Phil-Joyce Felicitas 3, Krystal Aceret 4, Rhicca Savella 0, Tammy Viliamu 2, Arriane Joshua Fernandez 0, Arriane Janine Fernandez 2, Nicole Puaa 8, Kuinita Donley 0, Nala Viliamu 10.
3-point goals—Mililani 5 (Arruda 3, Torres 2). Waipahu 2 (Malala 2).
Junior varsity—Mililani 53, Waipahu 39
No. 9 Leilehua 37, Aiea 31
Tiffany Reyher scored 14 points to lead the Mules over Na Alii.
At Aiea
Leilehua (9-1) 4 10 15 8 — 37
Aiea (6-4) 13 4 9 5 — 31
LEILEHUA—Kirzzle Calip 0, Jerilyn Maluyo 5, Tatiana Caravallo 0, Carissa McBride 0, Briana Crawley 8, Tiffany Reyher 14, Elyshia Bowden 8, Deja Bryant 0, Tywanna Abbott 0, Azah Quach 2.
AIEA—Lea Lacar 0, Allysha Cooper-Tabisola 2, Jazlyn Corpuz 0, Ruby Tialavea 0, Mich’lae Higa 13, Tiara Lindsey-Navaro 0, Mele Sitani 0, Jayme Matsuda 0, Valerie Lane 0, Paula Mauga 0, Natasha Maroney 5, Pumehana Beltran 11.
3-point goals—Leilehua 3 (Reyher 2, Maluyo). Aiea 1 (Higa).
Junior varsity—Leilehua 42, Aiea 33
Nanakuli 46, Campbell 34
Junior guard Alexis Meyers scored 14 points as the Golden Hawks held off the Sabers.
At Nanakuli
Campbell (3-7) 6 8 10 10 — 34
Nanakuli (6-4) 5 20 8 13 — 46
CAMPBELL—Cydney Curran 0, Dezlee Lindborg-Sandry 0, Aiza Valeriano 4, Cira Delizo 7, Tiana Ryan 2, Kayla Keliiheleua 0, Brandy Contrades 2, Bethany Scott 1, Sabrina Marzan 11, Marie Togiailua 5, Ipo Achiu 2.
NANAKULI—Mercy Puni 4, Angelica Chun Fook 0, Keanani Chai 1, Tianna Hanohano 2, Alexis Meyers 14, Sharlene Barrett-Pilialoha 2, Tiare Kaopua 10, Precious Meyers 8, Natalia Kaopua 1, Renise Laa 4.
3-point goals—Campbell 3 (Marzan 3). Nanakuli 1 (P. Meyers).
Junior varsity—Campbell 49, Nanakuli 25.
Radford 47, Pearl City 18
Korie Johnson scored 15 points as the Rams beat the Chargers.
At Radford
Pearl City (0-10) 4 5 2 6 — 17
Radford (6-4) 14 9 11 14 — 48
PEARL CITY—Kacie Chinen 9, Shandy Frantz 1, Taylor Inong 2, Ciera Sylva 2, Yubin Cho 1, Lexi Blalock 2, Agassi Augasa 0.
RADFORD—Chloe Slocumb 2, Carla Thomas 7, Jahnel Rubio 5, Avina Ulu 4, Jasmine Moody 8, Korie Johnson 15, Jazmyn Peralta 3, Felicianna Vasquez 0, Kylee Marcum 2, Roselia Lojkar 2.
3-point goals—Pearl City 3 (Chinen 3). Radford 1 (Rubio).
Junior varsity—Radford 37, Pearl City 16
ILH DIVISION II BOYS
Hanalani 65, Island Pacific 35
Senior point guard Lucas Leamon scored 13 points in the first quarter as the Royals cruised by the Navigators.
At Hanalani
IPA (1-3) 5 8 14 8 — 35
Hanalani (2-1) 20 24 10 11 — 65
ISLAND PACIFIC—Josiah Gabriel 0, Jason Brenner 12, Kennedy Wilson 1, Harvey Alexander 13, Michael Brenner 0, Brett Arakawa 0, Ian Schumaker 8, Dalton Wood 0, Andrew McCarthy 0, Eric Longanecker 1, Brian Arde 0.
HANALANI—Lucas Leaman 13, Michael Milton 10, John Brady 9, Jordan Ebisu 0, Logan Oyama 0, Nicholas Milone 6, Jesse Tory 4, Conner Kaneshiro 0, Chas Kubo 2, Jeff Schaake 3, Tyler Cruz 0, Issac Liva 5, Colby Schoniwitz 3, Scott Fujiwara 4, Duane Teem 0, Kody Fahrni 0, Zane Pantil 6.
3-point goals—Island Pacific none. Hanalani 2 (Brady, Leaman).
St. Francis 70, Le Jardin 26
Senior Austin Ursua scored 23 points and junior Matthew Nuumanaia added 17 as the Saints dominated the Bulldogs.
At Manoa gym
Le Jardin (0-2) 7 7 6 6 — 26
St. Francis (4-0) 16 14 26 14 — 70
LE JARDIN—Jeremy Yurow 0, Mitchell Hashimoto 0, Alex Tatum 4, Tristan Watts 0, Corey Grip 0, Juliun Perkins 11, Nicholas Vinsonhaler 0, Dillan Van Ness 0, Johnson Le 7, Stig Regan 4.
ST. FRANCIS—Austin Ursua 23, Kyle Lau, Sosiua Havea 1, Matthew Nuumanaia 17, Kalani Akana 9, Shabir Lynton 8, Nayton Koki 2, Blayne Won, Janson Kupau 2, Daron Sun 2, Lachoneus Tautuiaki, Ranan Mamiya 6.
3-point goals—Le Jardin 1 (Johnson). St. Francis 8 (Nuumanaia 3, Ursua 3, Akana 2).