Kamehameha’s Malie Marfil named MVP in ILH rout of OIA

Sometimes, there’s something simply marvelous about Malie Marfil’s game.

The Kamehameha senior had 12 points, 11 rebounds and six assists without a single turnover, adding a block and a steal as the ILH squad ran the OIA team off the floor in a 92-63 rout in the Hawaii Senior Classic hosted by Geremy Robinson.

A crowd of about 300 at Moanalua High School saw the private-school unit, coached by ‘Iolani’s Dean Young, turn a 38-31 halftime lead into a straight rout. Marfil was the trigger for much of it, finding 3-point shooters for each of her half-dozen dimes. Three of them were to Warrior teammate and classmate Esther Naum, all in the second half as the ILH went on a 26-2 run to start the period.

“Esther was on fire,” Marfil said. “We played together for a long time. I was just getting the ball to people who were open to take shots.”

With 20-minute halves, it was a good chance to get big minutes in a format similar to the college game. Marfil, an athletic, rugged combo guard, will suit up for Alaska-Anchorage next season.

“They just beat Central Washington in the (conference) semifinals,” she said.

The MVP honor, which came with a plaque, wasn’t a shock. Kylie Yung of ‘Iolani also had a strong performance (14 points, eight boards, four assists), and Kyla Neumann of Maryknoll splashed three treys in the second half to finish with 15 points.

Marfil was a blur in transition and a bruiser on the boards.

“There’s a lot I’m going to take away from this, my last high school game,” said Marfil, who also won the “Queen of the Court” one-on-one competition after the game.

Marfil feels driven with her college career ahead. Working out often with her club team, Proformance, is helping. Going out on her own is another big change ahead.

“There’s so many things I can improve on (in basketball). I’ll be away with no parents, obviously, and it’s a higher level of basketball,” she said. “The girls are bigger, faster in college, so improving my game will have me.”

In the man-to-man format of the Senior Classic, Marfil was in her comfort zone. Too strong for smaller defenders in the paint. Too quick for bigger defenders as she slashes to the bucket.

“I’m going to work hard to get my spot,” Marfil added.

Caiyle Kaupu of Konawaena had 22 points and six rebounds to lead the OIA (public schools). Tati Kamae of Kahuku had 10 points, eight boards, four assists and two steals.

Te‘Hiwa Medeiros of Sacred Hearts won the 3-point contest, edging Kyla Neumann of Maryknoll in a duel that required two extra rounds. Medeiros won the last round, 2-1. Each shooter had five attempts in the second tiebreaker.