Taking the next step wasn’t supposed to be this easy.

Hawaii Prep beat Seabury Hall 58-35 in the Division II semifinals of the Hawaiian Airlines/HHSAA Boys Basketball State Championships at Kalani on Friday night.

Ka Makani had lost in the previous two semifinals, to Kailua last year and eventual champion Kalaheo the year before.

"We talked to the guys about that," Hawaii Prep coach Fred Wawner said. "They were different classes, but I felt like the first time we got here we weren’t ready and the second time we were ready but we fell short."

Junior point guard Justas Gecas led Ka Makani with 16 points, and senior center David Ovbagbedia added 14 in a game that quickly turned into a rout. Hawaii Prep got 3-pointers on two of its first three possessions and never looked back. Ka Makani led by 11 after the first quarter, 15 after the second and 17 after the third.

"We have been playing so many close games this year," Wawner said. "It was nice to have one like this. Every game has been a battle for this group."

Hawaii Prep was undefeated before losing to Kohala in the BIIF title game, Ka Makani shook off that loss rather well to get to Saturday’s state championship against Kalani.

They might get even better, as top player Kalan Camero — who has not played since the Feb. 14 BIIF semifinal — might suit up.

"He’s day-to-day," Wawner said.

Hawaii Prep has to overcome OIA White runner-up Kalani to take an even further step, something that already has Ka Makani planning.

"They are different from anything we have played," said Ovbagbedia, who joined the team this year and avoided the heartbreak of two straight semifinal losses. "A whole different style, a whole different island. But I am sure the coaches already have a plan for them."

The Spartans were led by Cameron King’s 12 points in their sixth straight appearance in the Division II tournament. Seabury Hall takes on Kohala for third place; the Spartans have never finished higher than fourth.

Seabury Hall shot just 29 percent and turned the ball over 23 times. Hawaii Prep shot 50 percent with 21 turnovers in its half-court game.

Kalani presents a completely different challenge than Seabury Hall did.

"I saw them for the first time tonight; I love them," Wawner said about Kalani. "It is like watching VCU. I thought I even saw ‘havoc’ on the backs of their jerseys. It is going to be fun."

At Kalani

SEABURY HALL—Nyck Yashiro 2, Cameron King 9, Rip Pahukoa 4, Bryce Barbier 3, Jaxson Stinger 8, Paxton Malek 0, Duncan Harrisson 3, Fletcher Prouty 0, Jordan Haylor 5, Michael Chasen 1, Christian Jenkins 0, Cameron Hanisch 0.

HAWAII PREP—Justas Gecas 16, Kellen Gillins 0, Kenji Stinson 6, Evaldas Vegertas 9, David Ovbagbedia 14, Victor Lee 0, Hide Akai 3, Nicky Palleschi 8, Colin Yates 0, Cole Walter 2, Bo Bleckel 0, Colin Renfro 0.

3-point goals—Seabury Hall 4 (King 3, Harrisson). Hawaii Prep 4 (Stinson 2, Gecas, Palleschi).

DIVISION II CONSOLATION

ST. FRANCIS 71, KAUAI 61

At Kaimuki Gym

ST. FRANCIS—Keola Kealoha 5, Kyle Lau 6, Nayton Koki 6, Janson Kupau 6, Matthew Nuumanaia 24, Kawika Ulufale 0, Ranan Mamiya 15, Maunakea Matthews-Medeiros 2, Micah Kalei 2, Justin Sarsuelo 3, Lachoneus Tautuiaki 0, Viliami Pua 0, David Zimmerman 0, Kupono Akiona 2.

KAUAI—Chavis Garma 2, Jessem Cumlat 19, Paulwin Tommy 0, Kelson Andrade 2, Lanakila Wilson 0, Jake Herbig 7, Kalawaia Judd 3, Michal Booth 13, Tyler Fernandez 4, Camren Henry 2, Kalani Lemalu 2, Kekoa Tecson 0, Duke Yadao 1, Braeden Armstrong 0, Melvin Tingzon 2, Devan Ferreira 4.

3-point goals—St. Francis 6 (Muumanaia 5, Srsuelo). Kauai 5 (Cumlat 2, Herbig, Booth, Ferreira).

KAISER 71, DAMIEN 48

At Kaimuki gym

KAISER—Kelsey Lewis II 18, Isaiah Akiona 1, Melvin Kahunanui Jr. 12, Nicolas Tom 7, Isaac Slade-Matautia 4, Nicholas Lebeck 10, Trevin Kahuananui 4, Micah Okamoto 3, Chance Kalaugher 5, Matt Hall 7.

DAMIEN—Brandon Estacio 2, Ernie Kornya IV 0, Kobe Ikari 2, Aaron Miyahira 4, Linden Quintal 6, Jaylen Layco 21, Bransen Apao 0, Paul Galang 0, Rakeeb Craig Jr. 0, Ezekiel Naum 2, Cameron Magpoc 3, Rocky Mori 3, James Roy 5.

3-point goals—Kaiser 3 (Lewis 3). Damien 2 (Magpoc, Roy).