Mandi Kawaha’s ball-handling and Hilo’s tough man defense and composure under pressure proved pivotal against Waiakea, which is always in any game with the services of standout Kelsie Imai.
However, the Vikings committed fewer mistakes down the stretch and held off the Warriors 41-39 in a BIIF Division I crosstown rivalry clash on Friday night at the Vikings Gym, where senior night was celebrated.
Mandi Kawaha scored 11 points while Mindy Kawaha and Jamila Collins-Ebanez added nine points each for the Vikings (8-1), who shot 33 percent (13 of 39) from the field, including 4 of 17 from long distance.