By Wes Nakama

Knowing that winning always makes Senior Night sweeter, Moanalua took care of business quickly and convincingly Friday night in a 67-48 victory over visiting Kailua in OIA East Division girls basketball action.

A loyal and appreciative crowd of about 400 at Moanalua Gym watched senior post Shailoh Li’ili’i score 18 points and Shanti Castillo and Rheanna Nobleza each add 15 points as Na Menehune won their ninth straight game to improve to 13-7 overall and finish 9-1 in the East. Myah Galdeira scored a game-high 20 points and sister Miyah Galdeira added 14 points to lead the Surfriders, who dropped their second game in a row to fall to 14-11, 8-2. 

Moanalua will be the East’s No. 2 seed in the upcoming league playoffs; Kailua will be the No.3 seed.

Na Menehune wasted no time on Friday night showing it is primed for the postseason, jumping out to leads of 9-0, 19-2 and 22-4 in the first six minutes. Castillo drained three 3-pointers and Li’ili’i scored on five layups during the run, which was also fueled by a pressure defense that produced turnovers and efficient fast breaks.

“It was more than what I expected,” Moanalua coach Kirk Ronolo said. “We started our seniors, and they were locked in.”

The Surfriders had won nine straight games until losing to East champion Kahuku (11-2, 10-0) on Wednesday, 76-58.

“The same thing happened to us in the Kahuku game,” Kailua coach John Iwashita said. “Usually it was the opposite, in the regular season we would start off fast … but the last couple games have been rough because I think our girls have been intimidated by their size.”

Li’ili’i, a mobile and skilled 6-foot college prospect, showed an all-around game that included a soft touch around the basket, rebounds, blocked shots, assists and even bringing the ball up the floor.

“She has the green light — when she brings the ball up, I have full confidence in her,” Ronolo said. “She’s come a long way, and now has a well-rounded game.”

Li’ili’i’s layup just before the first period buzzer put Na Menehune ahead, 27-7, and she scored another layup midway through the second to push the lead to 35-11. Ariana Crowell hit two free throws then ignited an 11-2 run capped by Miyah Galdeira’s free throws which cut the margin to 37-22 with a minute remaining. 

But Moanalua ended the half with three straight baskets to make it 44-22 at halftime, and took a 57-36 lead into the fourth period. The Surfriders could not get closer than the final score thereafter.

“All we were thinking was to just stay calm and do what we were supposed to do, like any other game,” said Lii’li’i, who is in her fourth varsity season. “With a win, it’s better to celebrate after. We just work hard every single day — we have practice at 8 o’clock tomorrow morning. Coach told us we have two hours to celebrate (tonight), and then it’s on to the next mindset.”

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