McDaniel's career night propels Mililani into Divsion I semifinals

Kinue Miller I ScoringLive

In a season of peaks and valleys, the Trojans picked an opportune time to reach new heights.

Senior guard Amelia McDaniel poured in a career-high 24 points to help power Mililani past MIL champion Maui, 53-33.

"We had a few rough patches, our (regular season) record wasn't exactly how we wanted it to go," said McDaniel, who made 4 of 6 three pointers, and added four rebounds, three steals and an assist on the evening. "But I think the last few games we've really been picking it up, working as a team and playing together."

McDaniel's singular heroics aside, it was arguably the best game of the year for the Trojans, who hit 9 of 18 threes while holding the Sabers to just 39 percent shooting from the field. All five starters acounted for at least four points and two rebounds, and 11 of the 17 made baskets were assisted.

The Trojans led 30-18 at the break and avoided a second half rally by the Sabers, limiting turnovers in the face of significantly racheted up ball pressure via double teams.

"They came out really strong on defense in the second half and I think they went on a little run, but I think we managed to just keep composed and talking to each other through it," said McDaniel.

Kelsie Ohta's performance might have been understated compared to that of McDaniel, but her ability to make good decisions with the basketball as the primary press breaker as well as her defensive presence, was big as well. The senior guard/forward had six poimts, four rebounds, but more importantly added four assists and four steals, both game-highs.

Maui was led by Naiara Bal, who finished with 16 points and four rebounds.

In the second quarterfinal at McKinley, top seed Kamehameha raced out to a 21-0 lead after the first quarter and never looked back in a 74-21 win over Kalani.

Post Nihoa Dunn scored the first 10 points for the Warriors and 14 in the first quarter alone. She added six more in the second, finishing with 22 points and eight boards before she was given the rest of the night off midway through the third.

Every player on the Warriors squad scored a basket and had at least one rebound against the Falcons, and the team shot a collective 25 of 35 from the field, a 71% clip.

The ILH champs forced 23 turnovers via 12 steals and added three blocks.

Kalani was led by freshman Jordin Baker, who scored eight points. The Falcons played the quarterfinal without their starting point guard Kaliyah Kapahua-Kahele.