KALAHEO — When Kiarra Palacio launched a three-ball, the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center erupted in cheer. The trey was the only score she marked in Kaulupono’s 33-19 win over Westside at the opener of the county’s 13 and Under girls basketball
KALAHEO — When Kiarra Palacio launched a three-ball, the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center erupted in cheer.
The trey was the only score she marked in Kaulupono’s 33-19 win over Westside at the opener of the county’s 13 and Under girls basketball league.
Earlier, Kawai Calderon was the high scorer with seven points and five Kamikaze players contributed pairs in a balanced scoring demonstration in the Kamikaze’s 19-12 edge over the Angels, who got four points from Uilani McCabe and pairs from four other players.
Shai-anne Abigania, Shyanne Almarza, Mele Havea, and Analeigha Toloai were the Angels netting pairs.
Following Calderon, Shaylee Huni, Brand Racca, Sariah Ijima, Gilian Gregorio and Lele Hanie finished with pairs for the Kamikaze.
“I’m so proud of her,” said Julynne Ramos, a former Kaulupono player now playing as a starter for the Waimea High School JV girls team, of Palacio. “She’s only in the fourth grade and she’s playing in the 13 and Under. I guess she’s learning from the best.”
Kiarra is the sister of Nicole Palacio, who along with Taylor Gaspar, paced the Kaulupono scoring with 10 points apiece.
Kaulupono low post Mariyah Oliver added six, Jeniah Banasihan finished with four and Kiarra’s trey rounded out the victory.
Alyssa Miyamoto’s aggressive posture paced the Westside scoring with a game-high 15 points, including a three-ball in the fifth period which was answered by the petite Kiarra.
Tianalee Apilado and Caitlynn Owen each added pairs for the Westside.
The county’s 13 and Under league continues with the boys playing today at 10 a.m. and again on Monday starting at 6 p.m. The girls return to the court Thursday night starting at 6 p.m.
