Four Sea Warriors Named To All-PacWest Team, Harada Coach of the Year
PHOENIX, AZ – When the head women’s basketball coaches of the Pacific West Conference selected Grand Canyon junior guard Samantha Murphy (Phoenix, AZ/Xavier Prep) the Preseason Player of the Year, they must have had an inkling they might be voting for her again in March.
|
Murphy was selected the 2009-10 PacWest Conference Player of the Year and an All-PacWest First Team choice for the third consecutive season after finishing the year as the conference’s leading scorer. She totaled 71 points in the voting process, beating out runner-up Laura Zasly (Foster City, CA/Aragon) - Notre Dame de Namur’s junior forward who splashed onto the scene this year - by four points.
This year’s team features players from six different states - Arizona, California, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Nevada and Washington – and one foreign country in Australia.
Dixie State, Grand Canyon and Hawai‘i Pacific led the conference by placing four players each on the team, while Dominican (CA) and Academy of Art each earned All-PacWest selections in their first season of competition in the conference. NDNU boasted twin sisters on the All-PacWest First Team.
With student-athletes representing most of the Western United States, Hawai‘i and Alaska, and several foreign countries on PacWest women’s basketball rosters, the odds of more than one athlete from the same high school earning all-conference accolades is slim.
But in 2009-10, three high schools in three separate states earned that distinction. Konawaena High School in Hawai‘i claimed three All-PacWest selections, while Centennial High School in Las Vegas and Aragon High School in California earned two apiece.
Murphy received five first-place votes while Zasly picked up two. Hawai‘i Pacific senior forward Genesis Lewis (Paramount, CA/Paramount) and HPU sophomore forward Mana Hopkins (Kona, HI/Konawaena) each received one first-place nod.
All four players, along with HPU junior forward Jazzmin Awa-Williams (Kona, HI/Konawaena), Dixie State freshman forward Deanna Daniels (North Las Vegas, NV/Centennial) and NDNU junior guard Katie Zasly (Foster City, CA/Aragon), were chosen for the All-PacWest First Team.
Murphy was one of four All-PacWest selections for Grand Canyon. She completed her junior year by averaging 19.0 points per game – 3.9 points higher than the next closest player. She also averaged 4.4 rebounds per game to rank 20th in the league, while her ability to dole out assists at a clip of 3.4 per game left her sixth in the PacWest in helping others.
Laura Zasly may have just missed out on the Player of the Year award to Murphy, but the outstanding frontcourt player was named the PacWest Newcomer of the Year. She totaled 16 points and edged out runner up Awa-Williams by one. Each player received three first-place votes, but Zasly wound up with more total points to claim the award.
Dominican (CA) senior guard Alisha Flaatan (Hayward, CA/Moreau Catholic) picked up two first-place votes and finished third in the balloting with nine points, while Grand Canyon junior center Kia Gibson (Nine Mile Falls, WA/Lakeside) earned one first-place nod and finished fourth with seven points. Flaatan and Gibson also were named All-PacWest Second Team.
Laura Zasly finished the 2009-10 campaign second in scoring in the conference with a 15.1 points-per-game average. She also was third in rebounding after collecting 7.1 boards per game, and 12th in assist average after doling out 2.7 per contest.
Zasly’s twin sister, Katie, joined her on the All-PacWest First Team by averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 steals per game. She ranked fifth in thefts, ninth in assists, ninth in rebounding and seventh in scoring.
Flaaten made Dominican history when she became the Penguins first All-PacWest selection in the sport of women’s basketball. She led the conference in three-pointers made (71) and three-pointers made per game (2.7), ranked third in scoring (15.0 ppg.), 13th in assist average (2.7) and third in free throw shooting (87.3% / 55 for 63).
With three All-PacWest First Team selections, a conference championship, and a trip to the NCAA II National Championship Tournament, it was no surprise that Hawai‘i Pacific’s Jeff Harada was named the PacWest Coach of the Year. The Sea Warriors finished the season with a 14-2 league record and an overall mark of 18-7.
Harada received six first-place votes and finished with 19 total points – five ahead of runner-up Mike Rudder of NDNU. Rudder received two first-place votes, while Angie Kristensen of Dixie State earned one. Kristensen and Grand Canyon’s Trent May tied for third place with nine points apiece.
Dixie State rookie forward Johnna Brown (Las Vegas, NV/Centennial) was the runaway favorite for the Freshman of the Year honor after she garnered seven first-place votes. She also was named All-PacWest Second Team.
In all, Dixie State wound up with three All-PacWest Second Team selections this season, including senior forward Tanya Clark (Beaumont, CA/Beaumont)and senior guard Jessie Ingraham (Tucson, AZ/Canyon del Oro). Clark was a repeat Second Team pick while Ingraham earned Honorable Mention last year.
Like Dixie State, Grand Canyon boasted four All-PacWest selections in Murphy, Gibson, senior forward/guard Stacy Haddow (Chino Valley, AZ/Chino Valley) and senior forward Ashley Hardin (Chandler, AZ/Marcos de Niza). Both Hardin and Haddow earned Honorable Mention this season.
With three First Team selections and one Second Team choice, Hawai‘i Pacific also boasted four all-conference players in 2009-10. Awa-Williams and Hopkins – a Second Team pick last year – represented Konawaena High School in Hawai‘i along with Hawai‘i Hilo senior guard Nesha Ann (Hina) Kimitete (Kailua-Kona, HI/Konawaena).
Awa-Williams finished eighth in the league in scoring after averaging 12.4 points per game. She also ranked 11th in rebounding by pulling down 5.8 caroms per contest, while her 54.7% (123 for 225) shooting landed her fourth in the league. She also averaged 2.6 assists (14th) per game.
Hopkins finished ninth in scoring in the conference, right behind Awa-Williams, after she averaged 11.9 points per game. She shot 43.9% (115 for 262) from the field to rank 11th, and made 57 of 76 free throw attempts (75.0%) to finish 15th. Her 0.6 block average landed her fourth in the PacWest.
Lewis rounded out the HPU First Team contingent after producing a stellar season. She averaged 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, finishing 12th in scoring and second in rebounding in the PacWest this year. She made 48.0% (118 for 246) of her field goal attempts to finish seventh in the league, and ranked third in blocked shots per game with a 0.6 average.
HPU sophomore guard Paris Gravely (Fairfield, CA/Fairfield), who made the Second Team last season, repeated as a Second Team selection this year. She averaged 10.8 points per game, shot 76.6% (59 for 77) from the line, and made 35.7% (30 for 84) of her three-point attempts. She finished the year 17thin the league in scoring, 10th in foul shooting and 10th in three-point percentage. She was ninth in three-pointers made per game (1.3).
HPU Women’s Basketball Falls To Seattle Pacific In NCAA Regional
Seattle (3/12/10) – At Brougham Pavilion on the campus of Seattle Pacific University, the HPU women’s basketball team fell to Seattle Pacific in the first round of the NCAA West Regional. HPU closes the season at 17-8 while SPU (25-3) advances to the Regional Semifinal.
“I thought our team played timid at times, missing shots that we normally make,” said Head Coach Jeff Harada, “but hats off to Seattle Pacific. They’re a great team and played well on their home court.”
Mana Hopkins led the Sea Warriors, posting 16 points and six rebounds, but was tagged with her fourth foul midway through the second half and had to sit out. Jazzmin Awa-Williams recorded 11 points and four rebounds, and Britni Ronolo added a team-high 10 rebounds.
Melissa Reich recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead Seattle Pacific, who entered the tournament as the top seed.
HPU held an early 9-5 lead, but saw SPU run off 22 of the next 24 points to grab a 27-11 lead with 3:45 remaining in the first half. The Sea Warriors made a push to close the half, as a Hopkins jumper helped close to a 29-17 deficit at the break.
SPU opened up a 15-point lead in the second half but again HPU responded, closing the gap to seven points. A Courtney Buster (6 pts, 8 reb) layup with just under seven minutes to play cut the SPU lead to 42-35.
The seven-point margin would be as close as HPU got, as Seattle Pacific scored 11 straight points to extend to an 18-point lead with 4:05 remaining.
“I’m really proud of the ladies,” added Harada. “This loss in no way takes away from the fantastic season they had.”
HPU Women’s Basketball Tops BYU-Hawaii, Wins PacWest Title
HPU Men Falls In Season Finale
Honolulu (3/8/10) – In their final home games of the season, the HPU men’s and women’s basketball teams faced off with BYU-Hawaii. The women’s team opened with an 88-61 win, while the men’s team lost in the nightcap, 100-84. The HPU women secure its first PacWest title, and become the first Division II women’s basketball team in Hawaii to advance to postseason play.
Mana Hopkins led the Sea Warriors (18-6, 14-2) with 19 points on 8-11 shooting. She also shot a perfect 3-3 from three-point range. Genesis Lewis and Paris Gravely each added 16 points, and Courtney Buster posted 10 points, five blocks, and 16 rebounds.
Dara Tompkison led BYUH (9-17, 5-11) with 13 points.
HPU carried a 10-point lead into the break, and pulled away with 53 second-half points. They opened the second half on a 10-2 run, and a pair of baskets by Hopkins gave the Sea Warriors a 21-point cushion.
In the men’s action, Ray Murdock and Mike Helton led the Sea Warriors (19-8, 11-5) in defeat. Both players recorded 17 points with Murdock adding five rebounds and four assists. Jeff Ingram posted 13 points, Norman Wells recorded 11 points, and C.J. Jackson added 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Lucas Alves led BYUH (20-5, 14-2) with a game-high 34 points.
After both games, the HPU seniors were honored for their contributions to HPU basketball. Also honored was Coach Tony Sellitto by the HPU student body for his contributions to Sea Warriors athletics. The game marks Sellitto’s last as Head Coach of the Sea Warriors.
The HPU women travel to Seattle to take on Seattle Pacific University in the NCAA Tournament. Start time is set for 7:30 PST on Friday, March 12.
HPU Punches Ticket To NCAA Regional
Phoenix (3/4/10) – On the campus of Grand Canyon University, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated the Lady Antelopes in overtime, 67-64. With the win, HPU assures itself a share of the PacWest title but more importantly a trip to the NCAA West Region Tournament.
Genesis Lewis recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds for HPU, Courtney Buster posted seven points and 12 rebounds, and Jazzmin Awa-Williams added 12 points and six rebounds.
"I'm really happy for the girls," said Jeff Harada, who is in his third season as head coach. 'All the blood, sweat and tears came to fruition tonight and I'm so proud of them. We've battled adversity all year and they earned the right to play in the NCAA Tournament."
Katrina Graham recorded 16 points to lead the Lady ‘Lopes.
The Sea Warriors advance to the Regional Championships for the first time in the history of the program. At 13-1 in the PacWest, they hold a two-game lead over Grand Canyon, and win the tiebreaker over GCU and second place Dixie State regardless of the outcome of its final two games.
HPU held a 17-9 lead in the first half, but Grand Canyon rallied and closed the period on a 21-5 run to take a six-point lead into the break.
Down eight points in the second half, HPU regained the lead with an 11-0 run capped by a Mana Hopkins three-pointer. Hopkins finished with eight points and four rebounds.
HPU led by seven points with two minutes to play but could not hold off a Grand Canyon surge in the final moments. A layup by Stacey Haddow (4 pts, 5 reb) tied the game at 57-57, and Jazzmin Awa-Williams missed a jumper for HPU as time expired in regulation.
In the overtime frame, Lewis and Mackenna Karasawa (7 pts, 4 ast) hit key three-pointers to lead HPU to the victory. Haddow had a pair of three-point attempts in the final seconds, but could not connect as HPU held on for the win.
"It's a great win for the program and the University," added Harada, "and hopefully this will make people take notice that HPU Women's basketball is for real."
The Sea Warriors now set their sights on the PacWest title, next traveling to Dixie State College for its final conference road game of the season. HPU and Dixie State play Saturday, March 6, at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
HPU Basketball Versus BYU-Hawaii Officially Rescheduled
Honolulu (3/2/10) – The HPU versus BYU-Hawaii men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader, previously postponed due to the tsunami warning, has been rescheduled for Monday, March 8. Both games will be played at the Neal Blaisdell Center with the women’s game scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. Both contests will be broadcasted live on KWHE-TV 14.
HPU and BYUH were scheduled to play their PacWest doubleheader this past Saturday, February 27. Due to a tsunami generated in the Pacific Ocean during the early morning hours, the coaches and athletics directors of both schools, in conjunction with PacWest Commissioner Bob Hogue, decided to postpone the doubleheader.
Both the HPU men’s and women’s teams left today for the mainland to play their final two PacWest road games. They face off with Grand Canyon on Thursday, March 4, in Phoenix, then travel to St. George, Utah to play Dixie State College on Saturday, March 6.
With three games remaining in the season, both HPU teams are vying for their conference titles. On the women’s side, HPU currently holds the top spot and will win the PacWest with three wins in its final three games. On the men’s side, HPU, along with BYUH and Dixie State, each have two losses and are presently tied for first place. The winner of the PacWest automatically receives a berth the NCAA Tournament.
The final playing date allowable by the NCAA is Saturday, March 6, but the NCAA granted the PacWest an extension to complete its men’s and women’s basketball seasons following the tsunami warning. The NCAA tournament selections will be announced Sunday evening following the completion of all Division II contests, but has allowed the West Region to postpone its selections until the completion of the HPU vs BYUH games.
Following the conclusion of the women’s game versus BYUH on Monday, HPU Men’s Basketball Coach Tony Sellitto will be honored by the HPU Student Life Department for his achievements and service to Hawai‘i Pacific University.
HPU Women’s Basketball Defeats Silverswords
Honolulu (2/25/10) – At McCabe Gymnasium on the campus of Chaminade University, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated Chaminade University, 78-56. HPU improves to 16-5 overall and 12-1 in the PacWest, while the Swords fall to 1-19 overall and 1-12 in conference. With the win, the Sea Warriors remain at first place in the PacWest.
Genesis Lewis paced the Sea Warriors with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Britni Ronolo and Courtney Buster each added 14 points, and Jazzmin Awa-Williams recorded 11 points. Ronolo also hauled down 11 rebounds.
Kellene Costello led Chaminade with 16 points.
The Sea Warriors seized control right from the opening tip. They scored the game’s first 11 points and extended to a 15-2 lead on a Mana Hopkins (6 pts, 9 reb) layup 3:31 into the game. The Swords responded, holding HPU scoreless for the final 3:24 of the first half and closed the Sea Warrior lead to 36-29 at halftime.
The second half belonged to HPU. The Sea Warriors extended to a 20-point lead with 9:10 remaining and coasted to the win.
HPU plays its regular season home finale this Saturday, February 27, versus BYU-Hawai‘i. Start time is set for 5:30 p.m. at Mid Pacific Institute.
HPU Women’s Basketball Tops Dixie State
Honolulu (2/20/10) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU women’s basketball team grabbed a foothold of first place in the PacWest with a 91-78 win over Dixie State. HPU improves to 11-1 in conference while Dixie State falls to 9-3.
Following the conclusion of the women’s game, HPU Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tony Sellitto was given the Fellow of the Pacific Award, HPU’s highest honor. President Wright was on hand to present the award to Coach Sellitto.
Courtney Buster had a career performance for HPU, who improves to 15-5 overall. The junior center dropped 25 points on 9-12 shooting, also grabbing 13 rebounds and recording five blocks.
Four HPU starters posted double figures headlined by Jazzmin Awa-Williams and Genesis Lewis who posted 18 and 13 points, respectively.
Jessie Ingraham paced Dixie State, who fall to 12-8 overall. Ingraham recorded 21 points on 7-15 shooting from the floor.
Both the men’s and women’s teams retake the floor this Thursday, February 25, versus Chaminade. The women’s game tips off at 5:30 p.m. with the men’s game following at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be played at Chaminade.
HPU Falls In Buzzerbeater to Grand Canyon
Honolulu (2/14/10) – In a matchup of conference leaders, the undefeated HPU women’s basketball team fell to Grand Canyon University, 56-55. Samantha Murphy’s basket as time expired gave GCU the one-point win. The Lady Sea Warriors suffer their first PacWest loss, dropping to 10-1. GCU improves to 7-2 in conference.
Genesis Lewis (15 pts, 9 reb) led HPU, who fall to 14-5 overall but remain in first place in the PacWest. Jazzmin Awa-Williams posted 11 points and seven rebounds, and Paris Gravely added 10 points.
Stacey Haddow paced the Antelopes (13-7) with 13 points and five rebounds. Murphy and Katrina Graham each added nine points.
HPU held a sizable lead in the first half, as the Sea Warriors entered the break winning 29-16. Baskets by Lewis and Awa-Williams contributed to a 9-1 run late in the half.
GCU responded in the second period and, on a three-pointer by Haddow, trailed just 36-35 with 9:45 remaining. The Sea Warriors led 55-50 with 1:21 remaining but could not hold on to the lead, giving up the final six points of the game including Murphy’s lay in as time expired.
Britni Ronolo recorded six points and five rebounds off the bench, and Taylor Craig added five points and five assists. Awa-Williams also posted a game-high three blocks.
HPU returns to action Saturday, December 20, versus Dixie State College. Tip-off at the Neal Blaisdell Center is set for 1:00 p.m.
Lady Sea Warriors Top Penguins, Remain Undefeated
Honolulu (2/10/10) – On the campus of Maryknoll School, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated Dominican University of California, 74-64. The Sea Warriors improve to a perfect 10-0 in conference and 14-4 overall, and Dominican falls to 5-15 overall and 2-7 in the PacWest.
HPU posted three players in double figures led by Paris Gravely’s 17 points on 6-10 shooting. Jazzmin Awa-Williams recorded 16 points and Britni Ronolo, scoring several timely baskets in the second half, added 11 points.
Alisha Flaaten paced DU with 13 points.
HPU trailed 34-31 at the half but regained the lead with 16:15 remaining in the second half. A pair of free throws by Awa-Williams gave HPU its first lead since the opening minutes of the game.
After Flaaten cut the HPU advantage to 43-42, the Sea Warriors gained control of the game with a 16-5 run to take a 59-47 lead with 9:29 remaining.
Courtney Buster posted seven points and two blocks, and Mackenna Karasawa added nine points and three assists.
HPU retakes the court Sunday, February 14, against Grand Canyon. Start time at Mid Pacific Institute is set for 5:30 p.m.
HPU Women’s Basketball Grinds Out Win Over Argos
Honolulu (2/5/10) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated Notre Dame de Namur University, 68-62. HPU improves to 14-4 overall and remains perfect in conference at 9-0. The Lady Argos fall to 10-11 overall and 6-4 in the PacWest.
Jazzmin Awa-Williams scored a season-high 24 points for HPU on 10-15 from the field. Genesis Lewis recorded 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Mana Hopkins and Paris Gravely each posted 10 points.
Katie Zasly led NDNU with 18 points.
The game was the tightest of the PacWest season for HPU, as the Sea Warriors trailed for most of the first half. The Argos carried a 28-26 lead into the locker room at halftime.
HPU tighten its defense to start the second half, preventing NDNU from scoring its first basket until 4:53 into the half. The Argos responded and grabbed a 42-35 lead with under 12 minutes to play, forcing the Sea Warriors to call a timeout.
HPU answered with a run of its own, a 9-0 spurt to regain the lead at 44-42. A pair of free throws by Lewis down the stretch gave the Sea Warriors a six-point lead as they held on for the win.
HPU returns to action Wednesday, February 10, versus Dominican University. Start time with the Lady Penguins is set for 5:30 p.m. at Maryknoll High School.
HPU Women’s Basketball Tops Academy of Art
Honolulu (1/30/10) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated Academy of Art University, 79-57. The Sea Warriors ran their unblemished PacWest record to 8-0, while the Urban Knights fell to 2-4 in conference and 6-11 overall.
Jazzmin Awa-Williams scored a game-high 21 points on 9-13 shooting, and Genesis Lewis added 16 points and 11 assists. With the win, HPU (12-4) remains alone atop the PacWest, with Dixie State and Grand Canyon each holding one loss.
Jasmine English led AAU with 12 points.
The game was never in doubt, as HPU opened up a 22-11 lead midway through the first half. The Sea Warriors continued their strong start and entered halftime leading 37-21. Paris Gravely and Mana Hopkins posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, and Britni Ronolo added 13 points off the bench. Mackenna Karasawa recorded a game-high six assists.
HPU returns to action Friday, February 5, versus Notre Dame de Namur. Start time with the Argonauts is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
Lady Sea Warriors Top UH-Hilo, Remain Perfect
Honolulu (1/25/10) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, 65-51. With the win, the Lady Sea Warriors improve to 7-0 and remain alone atop the PacWest Conference. The Vulcans fall to 2-5 in conference and 5-13 overall.
Mana Hopkins led all scorers, dropping 20 points on 7-9 from the floor. Jazzmin Awa-Williams recorded six points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, and Genesis Lewis added nine points and 11 rebounds.
Natalie Mata led the Vulcans with 15 points.
HPU, 11-4 overall, opened an early lead with a game-opening 16-4 run. Leading 22-9 with 9:02 to play in the half, the Sea Warriors allowed UH-Hilo back in the game as their lead was cut to 25-21 by halftime.
The Vulcans took their first lead early in the second half, as Mata hit a three-pointer to give UH-Hilo a 26-25 lead. The Sea Warriors regained control as they went on a 21-3 run to seal the win.
Paris Gravely added 17 points for HPU.
HPU sweeps the season series with UH-Hilo, and remains the lone undefeated team in the PacWest.
The Sea Warriors return to action Saturday, January 30, versus Academy of Art University. Start time at the Neal Blaisdell Center is set for 5:30 p.m.
HPU Women’s Basketball Tops BYU-Hawai‘i, Remain Perfect In PacWest
Laie, HI (1/23/10) – At the Canon Activities Center on the campus of BYU-Hawai‘i, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated the Lady Seasiders, 74-65. With the win, HPU extends its conference record to 6-0. The Seasiders fall to 0-4 in the PacWest, and 4-10 overall.
Three players posted double figures for HPU led by Jazzmin Awa-Williams with 18 points. Awa-Williams shot 6-9 from the field and 6-8 from the free throw line, and added seven rebounds. Mana Hopkins added 17 points, 12 coming from three-pointers.
Dara Tompkison led BYUH with 15 points.
The Sea Warriors, who improve to 10-4 overall, used a 16-2 run late in the first half to grab a lead they would not relinquish. Paris Gravely (11 pts) hit a three-pointer and added another basket early in the second half, as HPU extended its lead to 41-32 with 16:05 to play. BYUH would get no closer than five points.
Genesis Lewis added eight points and 10 rebounds.
The Sea Warriors look to extend their winning streak this Monday, January 25, versus UH-Hilo. Start time is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
HPU Women’s Basketball Tops UH-Hilo
Hilo, HI (1/18/10) – In a PacWest Conference matchup, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated UH-Hilo, 63-55. The Lady Sea Warriors improve to 9-4 overall and a perfect 5-0 in the PacWest. UH-Hilo falls to 4-12 overall and 1-4 in conference.
Genesis Lewis paced the Sea Warriors with 12 points and 12 rebounds. She shot 6-11 from the floor and added two blocks and two assists. Britni Ronolo recorded 10 points and six rebounds, and Paris Gravely added 12 points and two steals.
Kirsty Imai led UH-Hilo with 15 points.
HPU trailed by as many as 11 points in the first half before cutting the lead to 31-28 at the break. Jumpers by Ronolo and Taylor Craig (4 pts, 4 ast), and a three-pointer by Gravely helped HPU close the first half on an 11-2 run.
In the second half, HPU wasted no time in taking control of the game. The Vulcans did not score their first basket until 14:43 remaining, as the Sea Warriors pushed to a 50-39 lead with 10:19 to play.
Mackenna Karasawa recorded eight points and seven assists, Jazzmin Awa-Williams posted seven points and seven rebounds, and Courtney Buster added five points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. The win was HPU’s second of the season over the Lady Vulcans.
HPU retakes the court Saturday, January 23, at BYU-Hawai‘i. Tip-off with the Lady Seasiders is set for 5:30 p.m.
HPU Women’s Basketball Defeats Chaminade
Honolulu (1/14/10) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU women’s basketball team topped Chaminade University, 90-68. HPU improves to 8-4 overall and 4-0 in the PacWest, while the Swords fall to 2-10 overall and 0-3 in conference.
Mana Hopkins led HPU with 18 points on 7-14 shooting, and Genesis Lewis added 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Samantha Saito led Chaminade with a game-high 23 points.
The Swords led in the early going, building a 15-7 lead less than five minutes into the game. HPU responded with an 11-2 run, as a pair of Jazzmin Awa-Williams baskets gave the Sea Warriors their first lead. Awa-Williams finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.
HPU extended the lead in the second half. A driving layup by Hopkins gave the Sea Warriors a 55-36 lead less than five minutes into the period, as HPU cruised to the 22-point win.
Britni Ronolo recorded 12 points, and Paris Gravely added 10 more.
HPU returns to the court on Monday, January 18, as they travel to Hilo, HI to take on UH-Hilo. Start time with the Vulcans is set for 5:30 p.m.
HPU Women’s Basketball Tops Notre Dame de Namur
Belmont, CA (1/9/10) – On the campus of Notre Dame de Namur, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated the Lady Argonauts, 79-57. The Sea Warriors improve to 7-4 overall and 3-0 in the PacWest, while NDNU drops to 5-8 overall and 1-1 in conference.
Paris Gravely shot a career-high 25 points for HPU on 7-10 shooting. Jazzmin Awa-Williams posted 17 points and Courtney Buster added 11 points and five rebounds.
Laura Zasly led the Argos with 21 points.
The Sea Warriors trailed much of the first half, but a string of made free throws and a Gravely three-pointer gave them a 24-21 lead with 4:39 to play in the first half.
Just under five minutes into the second half, a pair of Awa-Williams free throws gave HPU a 41-30 advantage. The lead never fell below double digits for the rest of the game.
HPU shot well from the field (50%) and were 26-27 from the free throw line. Mana Hopkins and Genesis Lewis both added eight points.
The Sea Warriors close their PacWest road trip at 3-0, and return to action Thursday, January 14, against Chaminade. Start time with the Silverswords is set at 5:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
HPU Women’s Basketball Upends Urban Knights
San Francisco (1/7/10) – At Kezar Pavilion on the campus of Academy of Art University, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated the Lady Urban Knights, 73-54. HPU improves to 6-4 overall and 2-0 in the PacWest, while AAU falls to 5-8 overall and 1-1 in conference.
Four players posted double figures for HPU led by 13 points from Jazzmin Awa-Williams. Genesis Lewis posted 11 points, and Mana Hopkins and Courtney Buster each added 10 points. Lewis also grabbed 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season.
Lorraine Etchell recorded 16 points for AAU to lead all scorers. HPU shot an impressive 83% from the free throw line compared to AAU’s 46%.
The Sea Warriors raced to a sizable lead in the first half and entered halftime with a 33-24 advantage. In the second half, Etchel hit a three pointer to cut the HPU lead to 33-29, but the Sea Warriors went on an 11-0 run to bolster the lead back to double digits.
Paris Gravely recorded eight points and six rebounds, and Mackenna Karasawa added nine points on 6-6 from the free throw line.
HPU will look to sweep its three-game road trip on Saturday, January 9, versus Notre Dame de Namur. Start time versus the Argonauts is set at 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Women’s Basketball Wins Conference Opener
San Rafael, CA (1/5/10) – On the campus of Dominican University, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated the Lady Penguins, 78-60. The game was the PacWest opener for both teams, as HPU improved to 1-0 in conference and 5-4 overall, with Dominican falling to 0-1 in the PacWest and 3-9 overall.
Mana Hopkins scored a season-high 24 points on 9-13 shooting, with Paris Gravely and Genesis Lewis each adding 11 points.
Kimi Nakamura led Dominican with 17 points.
HPU grabbed an early lead and started to distance itself late in the first half. Back-to-back baskets by Lewis and Jazzmin Awa-Williams (9 pts, 4 reb) highlighted an 11-0 run to give the Sea Warriors a 35-19 lead. HPU led 46-33 at the half.
Courtney Buster added seven points and nine rebounds and Taylor Craig posted a game-high five assists.
HPU continues its PacWest road trip this Thursday, January 7, at Academy of Art University. Start time is set for 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU’s Genesis Lewis Named PacWest Player Of The Week
Phoenix (12/29/09) – HPU senior forward Genesis Lewis (Paramount, CA) was named the Pacific West Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. The award was announced by the PacWest Media Office for games contested from December 21-27.
Lewis led the Sea Warriors to a 70-35 victory over UH-Hilo in a non-conference game last Monday, December 21, HPU’s lone game of the week. She posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 53.8% (7-13) from the field. She collected four steals and finished the week by leading the PacWest in rebounding and steal average, ranking fourth in shooting, and tying for third in scoring average.
Also named to the weekly honor roll from HPU were forwards Jazzmin Awa-Williams and Britni Ronolo. Awa-Williams (Kona, HI) scored 12 points while shooting 62.5% from the floor in HPU’s win over the Lady Vulcans. She also posted three assists and two steals.
Ronolo (Honolulu) posted a double-double in the UH-Hilo win with 12 points and 10 rebounds. She shot 50% (4-8) from the field and was perfect from the free throw line (4-4).
HPU next plays Tuesday, January 5, at Dominican University as they open the PacWest season on the road. Start time is set for 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Women’s Basketball Falls To #16 West Texas A & M
Kailua, HI (12/28/09) – At Le Jardin Academy Gymnasium, the HPU women’s basketball team fell to 16th ranked West Texas A & M University. The game was the home opener for HPU, as they fall to 4-4 on the season. West Texas improves to 11-1.
Mana Hopkins led HPU with 19 points on 9-15 from the floor, and Jazzmin Awa-Williams added 16 points, five assists, and six steals.
Megan McLain scored a game-high 22 points for the Lady Buffs.
HPU held an early 11-9 lead on a Hopkins layup, but a 12-3 West Texas run midway through the first half gave the Buffs a 27-18 lead. Hopkins scored 13 of her 19 points before halftime.
The Sea Warriors played West Texas even in the second half, but could not overcome their first half deficit.
t;
Paris Gravely added 12 points, and Courtney Buster posted eight points.
HPU closes its non-conference season and will open PacWest play with a three-game road trip. HPU first plays Dominican University on Tuesday, January 5. Start time is set for 5:30 p.m.
HPU Women’s Basketball Defeats UH-Hilo
Hilo, HI (12/21/09) – In a non-conference matchup between PacWest schools, the HPU women’s basketball team topped UH-Hilo, 70-35. The Lady Sea Warriors improve to 4-3 on the season while UHH falls to 3-8.
Genesis Lewis led the way for HPU, posting her second double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Britni Ronolo added a double-double of her own, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Hina Kimitete paced UHH with 14 points.
HPU seized control from the outset, racing to a 9-2 lead on a Mackenna Karasawa three-pointer. The margin swelled to 22 points with under seven minutes to play in the first half, as the Sea Warriors took a 34-17 lead into halftime.
The 35 points for UH-Hilo was a new low for an HPU opponent.
Jazzmin Awa-Williams posted 12 points on 5-8 shooting, Courtney Buster recorded six points and eight rebounds, and Tiffany Wilson added eight points before sustaining a first-half injury.
HPU retakes the court Monday, December 28, against 16th-ranked West Texas A & M. Start time at Le Jardin Academy is set for 6:00 p.m.
HPU Women’s Basketball Handles Pacific University
Honolulu (12/20/09) – At the Malika Sports Hoop ‘N Surf Classic, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated Pacific University, 70-59. The Sea Warriors improve to 3-3 on the season, while the Lady Boxers fall to 3-4. The game was played at the Kilauea Rec Center.
Jazzmin Awa-Williams led HPU with her second double-double of the season (15 pts, 12 reb), and Genesis Lewis added 14 points and nine rebounds of her own.
Rochell Reeves-Howe led Pacific with her game-high 22 points.
HPU took control of the game from the opening tip-off, racing out to an early 17-1 advantage. Tiffany Wilson (8 pts, 4 reb) opened the game with a three-pointer and Awa-Williams had eight points in the run. The Sea Warriors sustained the momentum and entered halftime leading 37-25.
The lead swelled to as many as 19 points in the second half, as HPU cruised to the 11-point win.
Mana Hopkins posted eight points and 11 rebounds, and Paris Gravely added 11 points.
HPU travels to Hilo, HI tomorrow, December 21, for a non-conference matchup versus UH-Hilo. Start time is set for 4:00 p.m.
HPU Women’s Basketball Falls To Drury University
Honolulu (12/18/09) – At the Malika Sports Hoop ‘N Surf Classic, the HPU women’s basketball team fell to 12th-ranked Drury University, 81-63. The Lady Sea Warriors fall to 2-3 while Drury improves to 9-3. The game was played at the Kilauea Rec Center.
Genesis Lewis paced the Sea Warriors with her first double-double of the season, posting 11 points and 10 rebounds. Tiffany Wilson scored a team-high 14 points and added six rebounds.
Katie Pritchard scored a game-high 23 points for the Lady Panthers.
Despite the loss, the Sea Warriors held an eight-point advantage midway through the first half. HPU ran off nine straight points capped by a Paris Gravely (6 pts, 3 ast) jumper with 13 minutes to play in the period. The Sea Warriors led 20-12. Drury responded and closed the half on a 26-4 run to take a 19-point halftime lead.
Jazzmin Awa-Williams recorded six points and six rebounds, and Courtney Buster added six points and four rebounds. Mana Hopkins contributed five points, three assists, and three rebounds.
HPU retakes the court this Sunday, December 20, against Pacific University. Start time is set for 4:00 p.m. at the Kilauea Rec Center.
HPU Women’s Basketball Releases Early Signings
Honolulu (12/1/09) – HPU women’s basketball announced the signing of two players for the 2010-11 season. Joining the Sea Warriors will be Tessondra Williams and Skye Savini. The announcement was made today by the Hawai‘i Pacific University Athletics Office.
Williams (5’5, Jr.) will come to HPU following the completion of her second year at Pierce College in Los Angeles. In her first season, she earned First-Team All-Conference honors as a point guard.
“I am very excited to have signed a player of Tessie’s caliber,” said HPU Coach Jeff Harada, who is in the midst of his third season with the women’s basketball program. “She is very skilled offensively and her ability to score, as well as set up her teammates, fits right into our style of play.”
Also joining the Sea Warriors will be true freshman Skye Savini from Saint Paul High School in Los Angeles. “We are very fortunate to have signed a player of Skye’s caliber,” said Harada. “She is a complete player on both ends of the floor and we are expecting great things from her.”
The 5-10 Savini played her club ball at the L.A. Swish and was named to the 2008 Whittier Daily News All-Area Team. She was also highlighted on ESPN’s Showtime Nationals Tip Sheet for girls’ high school basketball prospects.
In the 2008-09 season, HPU posted the best record in the program’s short history. They finished 14-15 overall and tied for third in the PacWest at 7-5.
HPU Defeats BYU-Hawaii
Laie, HI (11/28/09) – In a non-conference matchup, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated BYU-Hawaii, 74-63. The Sea Warriors even their record at 2-2 while BYUH falls to 1-1. The game was played at the Canon Activities Center on the BYUH campus.
Tiffany Wilson and Jazzmin Awa-Williams paced HPU, scoring 18 and 17 points, respectively.
Richelle Fenenbock posted a game-high 30 points for BYUH.
HPU sealed the win in the first half. The Sea Warriors led by as much as 20 points before taking a 44-25 lead into halftime. They shot 65% from the field, and Wilson was 7-10 from the floor for 15 points in the period.
Genesis Lewis posted 11 points and seven rebounds, and Paris Gravely added nine points off the bench.
HPU will have three weeks off before they retake the court at the Malika Sports Hoop ‘N Surf
Classic. They first play Drury University on Friday, December 18, at the Kilauea Rec Center. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.
HPU Women’s Basketball Tops Chaminade, Earns First Win
Laie, HI (11/27/09) – In a non-conference matchup at the Canon Activities Center, the HPU women’s basketball team defeated Chaminade, 91-57. The Lady Sea Warriors improve to 1-2 while Chaminade (0-1) drops its season opener.
HPU was led by Jazzmin Awa-Williams who recorded her first double-double (10 pts, 13 reb) of the season. Tiffany Wilson posted 18 points on 7-14 shooting, Mana Hopkins recorded 16 points and eight rebounds, and Paris Gravely added 13 points and five rebounds. Awa-Williams also posted a game-high four blocks.
Chaminade was led by Jamie Higa with 12 points.
HPU trailed early, but went on a 14-2 run to take control of the game, and led 41-21 at the half. HPU shot an impressive 51% from the field to the Swords’ 29%.
Genesis Lewis recorded 10 points and eight rebounds, and Mackenna Karasawa added seven assists.
HPU next takes on BYU-Hawai‘i tomorrow, November 28, in another non-conference game. Tip-off at the Canon Activities Center is set for 5:00 p.m.
HPU Women’s Basketball Falls To Adams State
Alamosa, CO (11/23/09) – At Plachy Hall on the Adams State College campus, the HPU women’s basketball team fell to the Lady Grizzlies, 90-68. The Sea Warriors fall to 0-2 while ASC improves to 3-1.
Genesis Lewis led HPU with 17 points on 8-12 shooting from the floor. Paris Gravely posted 11 points and Mana Hopkins added 10 points. Vera Jo Bustos led all scorers for Adams State, recording 21 points on 4-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
HPU trailed early, but closed to 32-30 on a Tiffany Wilson jumper with 5:48 remaining in the first half. Wilson posted six points and six assists. Adams State responded with a 14-6 run as HPU trailed 46-36 at the half.
Courtney Buster added a team-high three blocks and five rebounds.
HPU next takes the court this Friday, November 27, in a non-conference game versus Chaminade. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m. at the Canon Activities Center in Laie, HI.
HPU Women’s Basketball Falls To Colorado School Of Mines
Golden, CO (11/21/09) – At Lockridge Arena, the HPU women’s basketball team fell to the Colorado School Of Mines, 62-52. The game was the first regular season contest for HPU, as they fall to 0-1. The Lady Orediggers improve to 2-1.
Tiffany Wilson and Mana Hopkins paced HPU. Wilson dropped 16 points and was 6-6 from the free throw line, and Hopkins added 13 points.
Emily Dalton led Mines with 17 points.
HPU struggled in the first half, falling behind by as many as 12 points and scoring just 15 points in the period. They delivered a much better performance after the break with 37 second half points.
Genesis Lewis added eight points, four steals, and four rebounds, and Jazzmin Awa-Williams recorded seven points and four rebounds for the Sea Warriors.
HPU next travels to Alamosa, Colorado to play Adams State College this Monday, November 23. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
HPU Falls To Rainbow Wahine In Overtime
Honolulu (11/4/09) – In the opening game of the 2009-10 season, the HPU women’s basketball team fell to the University of Hawai‘i in overtime, 73-70. HPU’s Mana Hopkins posted game-highs in points (26) and rebounds (13), and hit the tying three pointer to send the game into overtime.
The game was played as an exhibition contest at the Stan Sheriff Center.
In front of 1,938 fans, HPU delivered a solid season opening effort. Tiffany Wilson posted 10 points and five rebounds, and newcomer Britni Ronolo (Moanalua HS) contributed nine points and eight rebounds.
HPU opened with a 13-2 spurt capped by a Hopkins three-pointer. She shot 4-8 on the night from beyond the arc. The Rainbow Wahine would settle down and take a 34-32 lead into halftime.
UH built an 11-point advantage midway through the second half only to see HPU cut the lead to two points with 6:39 to play. UH pushed the margin back up to eight points, but a Ronolo layup with 22 seconds remaining cut the lead to 62-59.
UH subsequently turned the ball over, and set the stage for Hopkins’ game-tying basket.
The overtime frame saw HPU rally from a seven-point deficit, but fall short of the win.
Genesis Lewis recorded eight points and six rebounds for the Sea Warriors, and Courtney Buster added five points and 11 rebounds.
The Sea Warriors open the regular season with a pair of games in Colorado. They take on Colorado School of Mines on Saturday, November 21, at 11:00 a.m., and Adams State College on Monday, November 23, at 4:00 p.m. Both times are Mountain Standard Time.
