Power. Finesse. Intelligence.

There are common denominators and very few degrees of difference, if any, among the state’s top players, including sophomores Evan Enriques and Larry "Tui" Tuileta.

In the end, coaches and media gave the edge to Enriques by the slimmest of margins, honoring the Kamehameha-Hawaii outside hitter as the Star-Advertiser boys volleyball player of the year.

Few knew the capabilities of the two high-flying players as well as their coaches, Guy Enriques of KS-Hawaii and Rick Tune of Punahou.

But Enriques and Tuileta had plenty in common even before their teams met in the state championship final. They played together for Ka Ulukoa Volleyball Club, with the state’s premier setter, freshman Micah Ma‘a, delivering the ball.

In the state tourney, Tuileta was a vital cog, one of the many key pieces to Punahou’s attack. Enriques was a go-to target for setter Daniel Aina all tourney long. The numbers Enriques produced were astounding.

» 35 kills and three blocks in a four-set win over Kamehameha

» 31 kills in 98 attempts in a five-set victory over Moanalua

» 42 kills in 114 swings in a five-set loss to top-seeded, nationally ranked Punahou.

All in all, Enriques was a high-percentage weapon for the Warriors: low numbers in hitting errors, always keeping the ball in play. Aina loved going to the 6-foot-1 jumping jack on KS-Hawaii’s "big set," using two middles as decoys at the net before pushing the ball high to Enriques in the back row.

"Evan was special to watch this year," Tune said. "He has had to grow into his very large role on that team over the last two years and work on his body to be physically able to handle it. Any time you record 90-plus kills and 300-plus attempts in three matches, it is a treat to watch."

Tuileta and Enriques are the two best sophomore hitters in the nation in the eyes of Guy Enriques.

"There’s a lot of good players deserving of the honor," Enriques said. "I have to separate my excitement for my son’s success, but I’m proud of the boy. Tui is a great player. I know what he’s capable of."

Tune knows the next two years may well be filled with highlights of the two standout spikers.

"Both have an incredible skill level, vision and court presence. Both are quiet leaders and kids that come from outstanding families. They care about their teammates and take care of others. Their games haven’t fully emerged, but I’m excited to see what both can grow to become."

Enriques was voted All-State coach of the year, making it a father-and-son bonanza for top honors. Tune, Teoni Obrey of Hawaii Baptist, Ed Chun of Kalaheo and Alan Cabanting of Moanalua also received votes.

"I have the utmost respect for him and the way he runs his program," Tune said of Enriques. "He epitomizes all that is good about this game — a coach who truly understands character, integrity and respect for the game. You could see those values in his players and that’s a result of his leadership."

Michael Fisher, a 6-foot-6 junior, was third in the player voting. He sparked Hawaii Baptist to the Division II state title. Ma‘a was fourth in the voting, helping Punahou to the state crown despite a serious wrist injury during the state tourney.