Mighty Mo

She’s just a sophomore, but Chanelle Molina is starting to map out her promising future.

The Konawaena star received a scholarship offer from the University of Hawaii early in the season. Now, the talented guard has another achievement: Star-Advertiser Girls Basketball All-State player of the year.

Molina did all she could for the Wildcats, running the offense and carrying the scoring load often. After an All-State season as a freshman, she stepped up to another level even as opposing defenses locked in: 23 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.4 steals and 5.4 assists per game as Konawaena went 25-4.

Even in a state quarterfinal loss to Mililani, Molina was nearly unstoppable with 27 points, four boards, four assists and five steals. At certain points during the long, arduous BIIF schedule — and its 100- and 200-mile round trips on the bus — she scored 35, 40 and more points.

It’s been a transition, more mental than physical, for the 5-foot-7, multi-sport standout. As a freshman, she was comfortable as a piece of the puzzle. As a sophomore, she’s willingly taken on the responsibility of scoring big when necessary on a team that was very inexperienced and lacked depth.

"I’m really honored and excited. Happy and stoked for next year. It makes me want to work harder," Molina said. "Looking back, I want to improve my shooting, my outside game. I know I can slash to the basket. I just gotta work on my jumpers, my pivots. Fundamentals."

It’s been another adjustment for the Wildcats program and longtime coach Bobbie Awa. While there are a few dedicated, year-round players — Awa and husband Donald continue to nurture their Kona Stingrays youth program — finding more players to make the commitment has been a challenge. That’s why Molina and her steadfast teammates are a blessing for the coach.

"Chanelle is so coachable, always ready to learn. She’s learning to become a leader, to be more vocal. Last year, we had Courtney (Kaupu)," Awa said earlier in the season. "She’s expanding her role."

Molina, who has a 3.0 grade-point average, was recently named Gatorade player of the year in Hawaii.

She wasn’t a runaway pick by coaches and media. Alohi Robins-Hardy, Kamehameha’s talented senior, finished just one point behind Molina in the balloting.

Robins-Hardy, who was the All-State girls volleyball player of the year, had a similar role for the Warriors. Her role expanded after guard Tiare Kanoa suffered a season-ending injury. Robins-Hardy, at 6-2, was a stalwart defender, elite rebounder and flexible offensive weapon with good ballhandling and tremendous shooting range.

The BYU-bound Robins-Hardy averaged 15 points per game in ILH play.

Mililani center Sarah Liva was another popular vote-getter. After transferring from Division II Hanalani, she flourished with the Trojans, averaging 16 points per game in league play. At the state tourney, she had 13 points and 13 boards in the upset win at Konawaena, and 18 points and 18 rebounds in a close semifinal loss to Punahou.

Coach of the year honors went to Kevin Velasco, who guided Punahou to the state title. Todd Rickard (Lahainaluna) and Daphne Honma (Honokaa) were the next top vote-getters. Also receiving votes were Patrick Basilio (Mililani) and Randy Kauhane (Nanakuli).

STAR-ADVERTISER’S FAB 15

Player of the Year: Chanelle Molina, Konawaena
Coach of the Year: Kevin Velasco, Punahou

HONORABLE MENTION

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