Kamehameha-Hawaii led by the one-two punch of sisters Chelsea and Casey Poe thoroughly dominated the first quarter and went on to an easy 57-36 victory over Kauai to capture the Hawaii High School Athletic Associaton's Division II state girls' basketball championship last night at the Blaisdell Center.

The title was Kamehameha-Hawaii's third in the nine year history of the Division II tournament. The Warriors, who previously won in 2005 and 2007, have also finished second three times.

For KIF champion Kauai, which had beaten Honokaa 43-23 and Hawaii Prep 34-33 to reach the final, it ended their winning streak over Big Island teams. And the Warriors made sure it ended in a Big way.

Kamehameha-Hawaii (13-2), which had to rally in the fourth quarter to oust Maryknoll in the semi-finals,was in cruise control from the start. With a full-court press and pressure half-court defense, the Warriors held Kauai (13-3) scoreless for four minutes of the opening quarter, while building an 8-0 lead. With each of the Poe sisters scoring 8 points, the Big Island team led 22-5 at the end of the quarter.

In the decisive first quarter, Kamehameha-Hawaii made 9 of 15 field goal attempts to just 2 of 18 for Kauai.

By halftime, the Poe sisters-5-8 senior guard Chelsea and 5-10 sophomore forward Casey - had 14 points apiece and the Warriors led 39-18.

"Defense has been our bread and butter all season long" said Kamehameha-Hawaii coach Garrett Arima.

About the Poe sisters he said, "they have been consistent all year. Chelsea is our floor leader. This was her third year and we finally won the state title. Casey has been our most consistent offensive player."

Together, the Poes combined for 30 points, making 13 of 23 field goal attempts and 3 of 4 free throws. When asked after the game who was the better player, both laughed and pointed to themselves.

"I have great confidence in my teammates" said Casey,

Said Chelsea about her younger sister, "She is mentally strong. She is a beast."

Kauai was the first KIF team to make it to the championship game in the 36-year history of the tournament. "The shots just didn't fall, but I am proud of the girls, regardless of the scoreboard.", said coach Sandi Nadatani-Mendez.

After falling behind by 27 points, 53-26 after three quarters, the Red Raiders outscored the winners 10-4 in the final quarter, urged on by their Garden Island fans yelling "DEFENSE."

Kauai was led in scoring by Casey Anacleto and Kawehi Louis-Diamond with 11 points apiece. Kristle Henry, who got her 4th foul early in the third quarter, had 7 points and a game-high 6 rebounds.

Kamehameha-Hawaii made 23 of 45 (51.1%) from the field and 9 of 12 (75%) free throws. Kauai was 15 of 46 (32.6.%) from the field and 5 of 11 (45.5%) at the free throw line. The Warriors had a 31-26 edge in rebounds and 13-5 margin in assists.


Division II All-Tournament Team

Casey Poe, Kamehameha-Hawai'i
Chelsea Poe, Kamehameha-Hawai'i
Kristle Henry, Kaua'i
Ashlee DeSantos, Maryknoll
Sarah Liva, Hanalani

Most Outstanding Player: Casey Poe, Kamehameha-Hawai'i

---