Kamehameha post Kalina Obrey puts up a shot on the low block against Kahuku Monday night. Michael Lasquero | SL

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Kamehameha post Kalina Obrey puts up a shot on the low block against Kahuku Monday night. Michael Lasquero | SL

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KAPALAMA HEIGHTS — It took them eight minutes to get on track, but the Kamehameha Warriors are moving on in the Snapple/HHSAA Division I state tournament.

Kamehameha, who was playing in its first state tourney since 2013, turned a one-point first quarter deficit into an afterthought with a 58-40 opening round win over Kahuku at Kekuhaupio Gymnasium Monday night.

The Warriors advance to take on Farrington, the Oahu Interscholastic Association champion and fourth-seeded team in the tourney, Thursday night in the second quarterfinal game at McKinley's Student Council Gymnasium. 

"It's good to get the first one under our belt," said Kamehameha coach Joe Cho. "Kahuku played well. I give them all the credit in the world. They played their hearts out I thought. Luckily we had a little more fire power and knew what to do."

Sophomore post Kalina Obrey spearheaded the fourth-ranked Warriors in the blowout win, going 14-for-18 from the free throw line to finish with a career-high 26 points. She also added a game-high 14 points for a double-double performance. 

"She's awesome," Cho said on Obrey. "I really think as far as all-around post, with no disrespect to (Farrington's Molimau) Heimuli, no disrespect to (Maryknoll's Isabella) Cravens, but offensively she's tough and she can play some defense as well. You can't just single (cover) with her. If you single her, you're in trouble. She just has too much quicks, too much finesse. She's got all the moves underneath and stuff. She's terrific obviously, and I'm lucky to have her."

Kiana Vierra added 13 points and Princy Paaluhi-Caulk added nine more on two made 3-pointers for the Warriors. 

Logotaeao Galeai and Lehiwa Benson paced the Red Raiders with 10 points each.

Kamehameha received a scare with 46 seconds left in the first quarter when leading scorer Mikala Maio left the game with an apparent left shoulder injury. She later returned with 3:40 left in the first half.

Cho said Maio should be OK for Thursday's contest.