HBA pulls away from Moanalua to start season


HBA's Emi Wada gets loose for a fast break opportunity in the third quarter against Moanalua. Michael Lasquero | SL

MILILANI — The reigning Division II state champion shook off a slow start to open preseason play with a win.

Hawaii Baptist outscored Moanalua in the final three quarters of play for a 50-38 win at Hanalani's Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.

The Eagles trailed 16-11 after the first quarter, but turned the tide to take a 22-11 lead at the half with Na Menehune utilizing their bench in the second period.

Senior guard Alexis Dang led the way for HBA with 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. Sasha Phillip added eight points and six boards while Emi Wada chipped in seven points and four steals to round out the top starters for the Eagles.

HBA also got good contributions from its bench, with all 12 players on the roster checking in. Brianne Pascua was the top reserve for the Eagles with two fourth-quarter triples that gave HBA a 43-33 lead with 5:38 left in regulation. Pascua also assisted on a Trislyn Maeda 3-point shot at the end of the third quarter to put the Eagles ahead, 37-30.

"I saw a lot of people kind of step up, we went pretty deep," said HBA coach Robin Yamaguchi. "That's the one positive, we got everybody to play. Everybody was able to contribute. That's the main thing I wanted."

On the other hand, Moanalua's reserves didn't match HBA's bench effort.

Zia Rapada and Mercedes Smith scored eight points each in the opening quarter to give Na Menehune the early lead, but the bench failed to get a field goal in the second quarter when the Eagles took the lead.

"Everybody has a role, and you have to step up," said Moanalua coach Kirk Ronolo. "You can't depend on one person, that's another teaching moment."

Ronolo was pleased with his team's quick start, but noted the second half could have been better. Regardless, it was a solid effort for a team that had just two days of practice.

"Our execution was there, effort level was there … it kind of feel apart late, but that's a lack of repetition. The foundation is there, we just need to have the repetition to build on it."

Rapada led all scorers with 15 points with three triples.



Reach Michael Lasquero at [email protected].