Hawaii Baptist edges defending champ Hanalani to reach D2 title game

Hawaii Baptist's Emi Wada puts up a shot over Hanalani's Chera-Lei Hiers. Wada scored a team-high 15 points to help lift the Eagles over the Royals. Brien Ing | SL

There will be a new champion in Division II girls basketball this year

Hawaii Baptist usurped reigning champion Hanalani with a 35-29 semifinal win Friday night at Kalani's Earl C. Holmer Gymnasium.

Emi Wada scored 15 points on 9-for-12 shooting at the free throw line to power the Eagles into the Heide & Cook title game Saturday at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena. Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m.

"I'm just super excited because we never had a season last year and we just had to grind it out last year in hopes of making it this year," said Wada. "Luckily we did have a season this year which was a blessing and I'm just grateful for our team because I know we have so much potential."

Joey Lin was another key piece in the win with 12 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field. She also had a game-high nine rebounds with two blocks.

Wada said Lin's presence helped her have her big game.

"The whole game I tried to look for my drives, but I think because they were focusing so much on Joey because she was doing so well in the first half that they kind of took their eyes off of me a little bit so that allowed to get more open lanes," Wada said.

Driving lanes led to fouls as Wada attempted a season-high 12 free throws in the win, knocking down a season-high nine free throws.

"For every shot I just prayed to God like ‘please let this go in' because my shooting has been a little inconsistent this year and it's something I've been working on, but luckily God was with me today," Wada said.

HBA trailed 24-22 heading into the fourth quarter, but buckled up defensively and held the Royals to just five points in the final period of play to pull away for the victory.

"We always focus on our defense first, especially because it helps us get going on offense as well," said Wada. "Luckily we were able to get some defensive stops and get more possessions.

Maria Ralar knocked down two 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 16 points to lead Hanalani in the loss.