Waimea High School’s varsity girls basketball team advanced to the semifinals of the 2019 Snapple Girls Basketball Championships–Division II state tournament.
“It’s good, of course. Most importantly, the girls played their game today,” said Waimea head coach Natalie Mata in a phone interview Thursday. “It was a good win, a good team win.”
The unseeded Menehune girls defeated No. 4 seed Hawaii Preparatory Academy of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation in a rout, 53-14, in the quarterfinals Thursday at Damien Memorial School in Honolulu.
“They definitely brushed up from yesterday’s mistakes,” Mata said. “Like I said, yesterday’s mistakes were just mental. I think they were nervous, so I think yesterday’s game gave them more confidence. They definitely came in this game worrying about ourselves and worrying about we normally do as a team, and that’s all we ask for.”
While Waimea scored in double digits in each quarter, Hawaii Prep struggled offensively.
Hawaii Prep was held scoreless in the second quarter, and the team’s most points scored in a period was six in the fourth quarter.
Waimea will face either No. 1 Hawaii Baptist Academy of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu or Farrington of the Oahu Interscholastic Association in the semifinals. That game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today at Damien Memorial School.
Hawaii Baptist and Farrington played each other in the quarterfinals Thursday night. Result of that game was not available by press time.
“Both teams are definitely way bigger than us as far as height, width, whatever you want to call it — definitely bigger than us,” Mata said. “But like I said, my game plan is we come in, we play, we stay focused on our style of play, we keep that momentum 100 percent throughout the game, and that’s all we can ask for.”
Waimea’s Kaye Serapio posted a double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds. Serapio also had eight steals. Kierstin Gummerus had 20 points, four steals and four rebounds.
Kyana Brucelas had six points and five rebounds for Hawaii Prep. Mariah Borce had four points and two rebounds.
Thursday’s Division II results
Game 5 (consolation): Waipahu (OIA) 39, Saint Francis (ILH) 36
Game 6 (consolation): Kau (BIIF) 46, KS-Hawaii (BIIF) 35
Game 7 (quarterfinals): No. 1 Hawaii Baptist (ILH) vs. Farrington (OIA), 7:30 p.m., result not available by press time
Game 8 (quarterfinals): Waimea (KIF) 53, No. 4 Hawaii Prep (BIIF) 14
Game 9 (quarterfinals): No. 2 Seabury Hall (MIL) vs. University (ILH), 7 p.m., result not available by press time
Game 10 (quarterfinals): Hanalani (ILH) 63, No. 3 Castle (OIA) 50
Info from Hawaii High School Athletic Association.
•••
Nick Celario, sports writer, can be reached at 245-0437 or ncelario@thegardenisland.com.
