What began as a Big Island girls basketball event has expanded to include some of the top hoopsters in the state.
“Battle on the Rock” girls basketball showcase event will tip off on Sunday, 9 a.m., at the Old Kona Airport’s Kekuaokalani Gymnasium. The Hawaii Island contingent includes Star-Advertiser All-State Fab 15 selections Pua Herrington of Waiakea and Brooke Samura of Hawaii Prep. Herrington and Samura will suit up for Team Mauna Kea, one of three squads that will play alternating 10-minute periods with a 30-second shot clock.
Also on Team Mauna Loa: All-State center Nihoa Dunn of Kamehameha, Dylan Neves of Maryknoll, Kamaka Fonoti and Rylee Paranada of Kamehameha and Kiani Hoolulu of Kailua.
Team Hualalai is comprised of All-State guard Aliyah Bantolina of Campbell, Lola Donez of Lahainaluna, McKenzie Alapai of Kamehameha, Justice Kekauoha of ‘Iolani, Jaynalyn Sotelo of Campbell, Rhea Nobleza of Moanalua and Makelah Richardson of Roosevelt.
Donez is a 5-foot-11 senior from Makawao who played at Oaks Christian (Calif.), and recently transferred to Lahainaluna for her senior year. She averaged 14 points, five rebounds and three assists per game for Oaks Christian. Donez also played for the Jason Kidd Select U17 team that won a national tournament.
Kekauoha, a freshman, has scholarship offers from Long Beach State and Hawaii, showcase coordinator James Nishimura of Club Pa‘akai added.
Team Mauna Kea is comprised of Konawaena players Angelie Molina, Mikela Salazar-Harrell, Ki‘ilei Leleiwi, Aaedyn Kauhi, Haikela Hiraishi, Kaylie Yamasaki and center Tavina Harris, a transfer from Lahainaluna.
The four-hour event will be streamed online on YouTube by KVIKS Media, the student-operated club at Hilo High School.
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