High School Basketball

Mililani and Kailua are set to clash for the OIA Division I boys basketball championship on Wednesday after securing hard-fought semifinal victories. Mililani (11-2) edged defending champion Leilehua (11-1) in a dramatic 61-60 win, featuring 28 lead changes and 10 ties. Taye Marxen’s clutch free throws with 7.9 seconds left sealed the victory, while a […]

In the world of Hawaii high school girl’s basketball, at the division one level, we witnessed the crowning of a new champ for the first time in five years. Road to the Ship, presented by Hawaiian Financial Federal Credit Union features highlights from the 2025 HHSAA Girl’s Basketball State Championship matches and exclusive interviews. DII […]

After two straight runner-up finishes, Hanalani finally broke through, defeating ILH rival Hawaii Baptist 62-33 to win its second state championship since 2022. Ellana Klemp delivered a commanding performance in her final game, scoring 33 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Piha Akiona added 13 points, six rebounds, and two blocks before fouling out late in […]

Kamehameha dethroned five-time defending champion ‘Iolani with a 40-34 victory, securing its first Division I state title in over a decade. Nihoa Dunn led the way with 18 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and a block, while the Warriors’ defense stifled key scorers Justice Kekauoha and Mia Frye. Trailing 22-19 at halftime, Kamehameha surged ahead […]

By Wes Nakama The ‘Iolani girls basketball dynasty will stay alive for at least one more day, thanks to a thrilling 43-40 victory over scrappy Konawaena Friday night in the Pacific Century Fund Team Aloha State Championship semifinals. A vocal crowd of about 600 and statewide television audience on Spectrum OC16 watched sophomore guard Justice Kekauoha […]

By Wes Nakama Hailey Fernandez sank an eight-foot running bank shot as time expired Thursday night to lift five-time defending state champion ‘Iolani to a pulsating 56-54 quarterfinal victory over Kahuku. A tense and vocal crowd of about 500 at Damien Gym watched sophomore guard Justice Kekauoha score a game-high 23 points as the Raiders […]

The undefeated Konawaena Wildcats (14-0) cruised past Mililani (10-1, 18-8) with a 49-29 victory to secure a spot in the HHSAA semifinals. A strong third quarter proved to be the difference, as the Wildcats outscored the Trojans 18-5. Zennalenn Nelson led Mililani with 11 points and four rebounds, while Akemi Kawamata added five points and […]

Kapolei dominated Castle 55-29 to claim its first OIA Division II girls basketball championship. Leila Paraoan and Liliyanah-Tiare Tamale each posted a double-double, with Paraoan scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Tamale added 19 points, 11 steals, and five assists. The Hurricanes took control early with an 11-0 run and led 33-11 by halftime. […]

By Wes Nakama Book-ending its dominant OIA girls basketball season with another convincing victory over challenger Moanalua, Kahuku raced past Na Menehune, 52-36, Wednesday night for its second straight league championship. A vocal crowd of about 500 at McKinley’s Student Council Gym and statewide TV audience on Spectrum OC16 watched Makana Kamake’eaina score a game-high 17 points and […]

By Wes Nakama The fate of five-time defending girls basketball state champion ‘Iolani now rests in the hands of defending state runner-up Kamehameha. Maryknoll held off the Raiders, 52-50, Tuesday night to advance to Wednesday night’s ILH Tournament final at Kamehameha’s Kekuhaupi’o Gym. If the Spartans (13-9 overall, 5-6 ILH) win, they will secure the […]