Moanalua Na Menehune overwhelms Mililani Trojans, 49-24
BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED JAN 26, 2024
SALT LAKE — Defense led to offense for host Moanalua Friday night.
Nā Menehune held visiting Mililani without a field goal in the first and final period of play as they steamrolled to a 49-24 win in the quarterfinals of the OIA Division I girls basketball playoffs.
Akaecia Mateo poured in 18 points off the bench and Shailoh Liilii scored 13 points with nine rebounds and three blocks to lead the home team, who will play reigning champion Campbell in the second semifinal at Pearl City Monday night.
Moanalua (13-9 overall, 11-1 league) was also superb defensively, tallying 19 total steals. Rheanna Nobleza led the effort with seven steals.
“We came out very aggressive and everybody was ready to rotate,” said Mateo, who was selected as the ‘Yeah U Player of the Game.’
“That’s very important for our defense just being there for rotations, so we had good pressure on the top and everybody was ready in their spots.”
Brooke Kurasaki led Mililani in the loss with 11 points, seven rebounds and six steals.
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