Raiders In State Basketball Semifinals
by Al Linsky
Radford had beaten Maui in the first round, 44-38. It was the only Division I game I didn't see on the first day, so I had no idea how good Radford was.
I did, though, know how good our Raiders are and wasn't worried. Well, ok, I always worry a little no matter who we are playing.
As it turned out, Radford was a good team, and they certainly put forth a great effort, but it was not enough to keep up with the quickness and talent this Raider team has shown all season.
Led by Alana Matayoshi and Chanel Hirata (10 points each), and 9 huge rebounds and 8 points from Jamie Smith, the Raiders maintained a plus 10 lead almost the whole game. There was one period in the fourth quarter when Radford closed to 5 or 6 points, and I started squirming a bit. But not to fear, as a quick run restored the lead. Final score, 50-39.
This was a good warmup, and I mean that. Today's game is against Konawaena, the number 2 seed from the Big Island. Unlike Roosevelt (an example of how hard it is to seed when there isn't a lot of league crossover), I can see why Konawaena has the number 2 seed. They are big and talented. This will be a big, difficult game. The game is at 6:00 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff center at UH.
Punahou will be taking on a very good Honokaa team at 8:00 p.m. Honokaa made short work of Roosevelt.
I believe any of the four teams left could go all the way. Of course, I have my preference!
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