Viking seniors Chelsea Cooper (left) and Vicky Tagalicod (right).

Photos and story by Rick Ogata

Saturday, January 31, 2009. The Waiakea defeated Hilo 66-51 at the Hilo Armory. This game was the final home game for Hilo’s two seniors, Chelsea Cooper & Vicky Tagalicod. This was the first game of the season for Vicky, who injured her knee in last year’s playoffs. She will be playing for the USC Trojan women’s basketball team next year.

Waiakea's Kamie Imai takes a short jumper over Hilo's Kaycie Jyo.

Waiakea began the game with hot shooting and a solid defense. They took the lead by a wide margin, ending the first half with a lead of 31-9. In the second half Hilo played much better but could not get closer than 9 points as Waiakea tightened up on defense. Waiakea’s Kamie Imai led all scorers with 17 points, while teammates Amanda Hubbell and Kanisha Bello had 12 points apiece . Lisa Okimoto and Jaslyn Patnaude-Antonio both had 10 points and were the high scorers for the Hilo Vikings.

Jaslynne Patnaude-Antonio of Hilo drives the lane past the Waiakea defenders.

Hilo's Tia Denne-Kimi lays the ball just beyond the reach of Waiakea's Kamie Imai.

The Vikings Kacie Wakida brings the ball up the court as the Warrior's Amanda Hubbell defends her.

Justin Kaupu cheers on the Viking girls' basketball team.