Hawaii Second Team honors awarded to Marquez in BIIF girls basketball
In the heart of Hawaii, a stellar basketball season unfolded, and it was none other than Kalia Marquez, the shining star of Kohala High School's girl's basketball team, that made it all possible. With a 33-year dry spell broken, the Cowgirls finally claimed the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) title, and Marquez was amply rewarded with Scoring Live All-Hawaii honors - landing a spot on the second team for her breathtaking court brilliance.
This past season, Marquez, a multi-talented athlete, chose to forgo her senior year of volleyball, opting instead to focus her last hurrah on basketball and softball. In an interview with West Hawaii Today, Marquez expressed her pride at being included on the All-Hawaii Second Team, acknowledging the sacrifices she made to achieve her dream.
"It was a true honor to be named to the All-Hawaii Second Team," Marquez shared, "and it's a reminder that the years of blood, sweat, and tears have finally paid off." The seasonal successes meant even more to her, as they came with significant decisions behind the scenes, such as giving up her senior year of volleyball to focus on her basketball journey.
With basketball in her heart since the tender age of five, Marquez found a second home with Kohala after playing for Kamehameha-Kapalama for her first two high school seasons. Returning to her North Hawaii roots as a junior, she fulfilled a lifelong dream: playing with the team she'd grown up idolizing.
"I've always dreamed of being back on the Kohala court," Marquez recounted, "so winning the league championship alongside the girls I've known since childhood was like striking gold." Reflecting on her community, she underscored the importance of belonging: "When they say 'it takes a village to raise a child,' Kohala is the very definition of that."
Through her inspiring season, Marquez averaged 12.7 points, leading the Cowgirls in scoring. She displayed her impressive defensive skills in seven games, logging five-or-more steals, including a 10-steal performance against Christian Liberty Academy. In the BIIF Division II Championship, Marquez posted 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals against Pahoa, while excelling as Kohala's top scorer during the state tournament.
Even though the Cowgirls couldn't advance beyond the state semifinals against Hanalani, Marquez was proud of the remarkable season they had collectively, and her favorite moment was celebrating the BIIF championship win and cutting down the net.
As school comes to a close, Marquez is still undecided on her college plans, but her ambition lies in business studies. As she embarks on new adventures, she carries the love, support, and sacrifices of her family and friends with her every step of the way, knowing they'll always be her steadfast team of supporters.
"To my parents, dear family, and extraordinary coaches who've supported me through the years," Marquez said with gratitude, "I could never have come this far without your unwavering love and belief in me."
- Despite her success in basketball, Kalia Marquez chose to focus on basketball and softball instead of her senior year of volleyball, showing her dedication to multiple sports.
- After leading Kohala High School's girl's basketball team to the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) title and being honored on the All-Hawaii Second Team, Marquez will be pursuing business studies in college.
- Marquez is grateful for the support of her parents, family, and coaches throughout her sports career, acknowledging that they played a crucial role in her achievements.
- In 2024, Marquez will be entering college with a focus on business, but her passion for sports and dedication to her community will undoubtedly remain significant controllables in her life.
- As she enters a new phase in her life, Marquez will carry with her the memories of her stellar basketball season, including the BIIF championship win and the net-cutting ceremony, as inspiration for her future endeavors both on and off the court.
