Red Raiders dominate Trojans to reach league final

Kahuku's Maya Claytor attempts a 3-pointer against Mililani in the second half. Michael Lasquero | SL

Defense wins championships — and the reigning champ wants another one.

Reigning league champion Kahuku held Mililani to a season low in points as it breezed to a 57-26 win in the OIA Division I semifinals at Radford's Jim Alegre Gymnasium Saturday night.

Leiah Naeata scored 16 points and Tatianna Kamae followed with 11 points to lead the Red Raiders (16-5 overall, 13-0 league) into the title game next Wednesday against Moanalua.

After struggling with early turnovers, Kahuku took a 13-7 lead after the opening period of play. The Red Raiders extended their lead into the break after preventing any Mililani field goals in the second quarter. Kahuku led 29-11 at the half.

The Trojans (13-6, 10-2) was competitive in the third quarter, but were outscored by 12 points again in the fourth as Kahuku cruised to victory.

Kianna Ponce had eight points to lead the Trojans in the loss.

No bench player scored points for Mililani, while reserve big Trisha Faumuina scored six of her eight points in the opening quarter for Kahuku.

Maya Claytor was also key for the Red Raiders with eight points on two triples.