It’s not often that both the top pitcher and top position player in Hawaii high school softball are underclassmen.

This is one of those years. Coaches and media voted Aubree Kim of state champion Mililani pitcher of the year and Nicole Lopez of Mid-Pacific position player of the year.

"It’s really good that we’re both underclassmen. That just means that for the next year the competition is going to be really good," Kim said. "I hope I can keep on improving."

Kim was a fireballer and clutch finisher no matter what the situation. The sophomore went 14-1 in regular-season and postseason play with a 1.12 ERA. Using myriad pitches in her arsenal, she struck out 143 in 81 innings. The crazy, tough breaks on her pitches also led to 46 walks, but she permitted just 41 hits as the Trojans won their first state title since 2009.

"She worked hard all year, every time we played her," Campbell coach Shag Hermosura said. "She was pretty dominant. You had to be disciplined to sit on her risers, otherwise she comes with that rise ball or hard outside ball. She changes speeds well. Everything with the same motion."

Adding new weapons has been crucial for Lee.

"This past season, the curve, when it was working, I used that a lot. I really improved my off-speed this year. That really helped me at states," said Kim, who gains a lot of knowledge from coaches Walter Kaaihili Jr. (Mililani assistant) and James Millwood (Guava Jam softball club). "I hold all my pitches the same way."

Maryknoll’s multi-skilled ace, Shearyna Labasan, was second in the voting. The junior went 14-5 with a 1.82 ERA, fanning 97 in 77 innings.

The position POY honor was a tight battle. Lopez, a junior, hit .500, belted six home runs and finished with a slugging percentage of 1.100. She also drew her share of walks (nine) and had a .592 on-base percentage. The lanky standout has already orally committed to the University of Hawaii.

"Last year, she was so aggressive, she ended up chasing stuff. This year, more patient and better pitch selection," Owls coach Alan Inaba said. "She works hard in the batting cage every day. She’s in love with the game of softball, so she does whatever she can to get better."

That means working out with a personal hitting coach and playing in tournaments and leagues year-round.

"Last year, we didn’t make it to states, so I had two weeks break. But this year, I only had a day break. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, I’m on the field. Sunday, I play for club," she said. "I usually train by myself on the off days with my hitting (and Kaikamahine club) coach (Vince Fargas). The difference is getting reps."

Mililani shortstop Jade Yadao-Valdez made it close in the position POY. The UNLV-bound playmaker hit .490 with 19 runs scored and 19 walks.

Kamehameha’s versatile Christine Hipa was also in the running. She hit .442 with six homers and 15 RBIs. The junior also went 4-1 with a 1.73 ERA on the mound.

Mililani coach Rose Antonio earned coach of the year honors after guiding the Trojans to the state crown. Campbell’s Hermosura was a close second.

FIRST TEAM

SECOND TEAM

THIRD TEAM

HONORABLE MENTION

PITCHER
Syleesia Jose, Konawaena
Kiani Kamakea, Waimea
Aliesa Kaneshiro, Hilo
Sanoe Nakoa, Baldwin
Nicole Nishizawa, Punahou
Mkayla Tokunaga, Kamehameha-Hawaii

CATCHER
Jocelyn Alo, Kahuku
Aliyah Cummings, Kapaa
Robi Kami, Pearl City
Markie Okamoto, Mililani
Caitlyn Price, Hilo
Kiana Ulufale, Campbell
Kekai Wong Yuen, Kamehameha-Hawaii

FIRST BASE
Kamalani Eldredge, Baldwin
Shalyn Guthier, Hilo
Gayla Ha-Cabebe,
Kamehameha-Hawaii
Karly Macadangdang, Mililani
Kiley Oeda, Mid-Pacific
Paige Salavea, Pac-Five
Bailey San Agustin-Nordmeier, Waimea
Leisha Yamauchi, Moanalua

SECOND BASE
Bethany Batangan, Konawaena
Skylynne Ellazar, Baldwin
Erica Inagaki, Maryknoll
Kiarra Lincoln, Kamehameha-Hawaii
Saecha Padasdao-Oyamot, Waimea
Sarah Sumida, Punahou
Kelcie Taguchi, Waianae
Delcie Williams, Kailua

THIRD BASE
Shelbie Fujinaga, Punahou
Reisha Hoopii-Haslam, Hilo
Shayna Ige, Maryknoll
Makamae Kaleikini, Moanalua
Alyssa Miyamoto, Waimea
Heaven Wong, Punahou

SHORTSTOP
Chelsea Au, Leilehua
Nawai Kaupe, Baldwin
Rhyn Lendio, Lahainaluna
Robi Lono, Kailua
Sienna Santiago, Waimea

OUTFIELD
Rachael Dumlao, Kamehameha
Kai Hasegawa, Kaiser
Erica Inagaki, Maryknoll
Taylor Lazaro, Waimea
Lia Nakamoto, Mid-Pacific
Shania Rita, Waimea
Samantha Sakihara, Mid-Pacific
Aleigha Scovel, Kauai
Allie Shiraki, Honokaa
Taylor Takushi, Moanalua
Tyra Wallrabenstein, Roosevelt
Ashlyn Yagin, Campbell

UTILITY
Kristin Frost, Pearl City
Kina Kaowili, Kahuku
Kalia Kaui, Kapaa
Macy Uyehara, ‘Iolani