Brian Bautista | SL

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Brian Bautista | SL

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South Medford built up a big first half margin and coasted to a 72-52 win over Konawaena in the opening round of the Iolani Classic Girls tournament held at Lower Gymnasium.

Donovyn Hunter scored a game-hihg 16 points, Tatum Schmerbach 12 and Kendall Fealey 11 to lead the Panthers, who saw all but one player in the contest score at least one basket.

The Wildcats were led by Braelyn Kauhi, who equaled Hunter with 16 points, and Leleiwi Kaanoipua with 11. Konawaena actually outscored Medford 31-29 down the stretch but it was too little too late.

Up next for the Panthers is a 6:30 p.m. semifinal Friday again Carondelet, who earned a closely contested game against upset minded Damien, 69-57. In that contest, the Monarchs only trailed by a single point at the half, but were outpointed 38-27 after the intermission.

Theresa Anakalea poured in 26 points in the loss for Damien, hitting three three-point baskets and knocking down 7-of-7 free throws.

The other two opening round games saw host Iolani start off slowly before rolling to a 60-34 win over Moanalua, and Incarnate Word overpowered Campbell in the final game of the night, 75-39.

Both the South Medford-Carondelet and Iolani-Incarnate Word semifinals will be televised on Spectrum OC16. Coverage begins at 6:15 p.m. back at Lower Gym.