HBA's Alexis Dang defends a shot by Hanalani's Jacie Nava. Michael Lasquero | SL

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HBA's Alexis Dang defends a shot by Hanalani's Jacie Nava. Michael Lasquero | SL

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MILILANI — The Hawaii Baptist Academy Eagles are champions once again.

Visiting HBA built an early lead in the first half and withstood a furious rally by Hanalani on its homecoming night to win the ILH Division II title, 50-42, Thursday in both teams' final scheduled game of league play.

Because both teams entered the contest tied with a 11-1 record atop the standings — and the top three teams in the league go straight to the state tournament after ILH play — the matchup served as the league's de facto D2 title game.

Junior guard Alexis Dang scored 15 points with eight rebounds and four assists and senior Kyley Nakagawa had a game-high 16 points off the bench with two key steals in the fourth quarter to help the Eagles win their first ILH title since 2016, which was also the same year when the team won its first-ever state title.

Hanalani's Keila Tsutsui goes into the lane for a shot attempt. Michael Lasquero | SL