Individual prowess contributed to collective success for much of this year’s class of inductees into the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Hall of Honor.
Punahou’s Micah Ma‘a was a part of six state championships, four in volleyball and one each in basketball and football, and Kamehameha’s Sarah Lau contributed to volleyball and soccer titles.
Mid-Pacific swimmer Lena Hayakawa helped the Owls claim two state titles despite their limited numbers. Campbell’s Ian Kahaloa was part of a breakthrough baseball title for the Sabers this spring.
Those represent a sampling of the accomplishments of this year’s 12-member class announced Sunday. The class will be formally inducted at the Hall of Honor banquet on June 7 at the Pomaika‘i Ballroom at Dole Cannery.
Following are this year’s inductees as chosen by a 16-member selection committee:
Kamuela Borden, ‘Iolani
Borden was a force on the offensive line for the Raiders on two Division II state football championship teams and in the post in ‘Iolani’s run to the D-I basketball title last year. He finished his career by winning the discus and shot put titles at the state track and field championships. He signed a letter of intent with the Hawaii football program and is planning to go on a two-year mission before enrolling.
Gabrielle Ewing, Hawaii Prep
A four-year starter in two sports, Ewing closed each of her soccer seasons in the Division II state final. Ka Makani came in second her first two years and won the title her junior and senior years. Ewing was named the tournament’s most outstanding player both times and was a two-time All-State selection. Also a dynamic leader for the volleyball program, Ewing will attend Concordia University.
Tiyana Hallums, Kamehameha
Hallums earned a starting spot as a sophomore and closed the last two volleyball seasons near the top of the Star-Advertiser Fab 15 voting after helping the Warriors claim the Division I state title as a junior and a runner-up finish her senior year. She also competed for the Warriors track and field team and will continue her career at Gonzaga.
Lena Hayakawa, Mid-Pacific
Along with her eight golds, Hayakawa’s versatility and team-oriented approach were keys to the Owls claiming the state girls swimming championship her sophomore and senior seasons. MPI alternated state titles with second-place finishes during her four years and she finished her career with wins in the 200 individual medley and in the 400 freestyle relay. She signed with Tulane.
Sabrina Hollins, Waipahu
Hollins pulled off an unprecedented double by winning a state judo title on May 9 then claiming a track and field championship the following week. She repeated as the state judo champion in the 220-pound class and followed with the shot put title while finishing second in the discus. She also reached the finals at the state wrestling meet in February. She will attend Coffeyville Community College.
BJ Hosaka, Hawaii Baptist
Hosaka’s shooting stroke and soft hands were trademarks of his four years with the Eagles basketball and volleyball teams. He averaged 24.3 points in ILH play for the basketball team and was a four-year starting setter for the volleyball team, leading HBA to the Division II state championship each year. He signed to play basketball at George Fox University.
Ian Kahaloa, Campbell
A dominant pitcher for three years, Kahaloa wrote himself into state tournament lore with his final start for the Sabers. He struck out 15 in a 10-inning complete-game victory in the semifinals against Kamehameha, and Campbell went on to win its first state title since 1978. He was also an imposing presence in the middle of the Campbell batting order. He signed with Hawaii but has also drawn keen interest from major league scouts.
Kanoa Kaleoaloha, Kamehameha
Kaleoaloha capped a prolific swimming career with an impressive finishing surge. He set state meet records in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle and swam on the Warriors’ winning 400 freestyle relay team. He’ll head to Florida State with eight golds in sprints and relays and two team championships.
Kawika Lam, Punahou
Not since Bill Bartlett’s reign from 1975 to ’77 had someone claimed three consecutive state boys tennis championships until Lam matched that feat this month. Lam began his career with a state doubles title, making him the first player to win championships in four straight years as Punahou continued its domination of the team title. He will continue his career at Washington.
Sarah Lau, Kamehameha
As a junior, Lau started for the Warriors’ state champion volleyball team and earned first-team All-State honors after helping Kamehameha win the state soccer title. She joined Hallums on the volleyball Fab 15 as a senior and made the All-State second team in soccer. She also helped the Warriors win the ILH track and field title on two relay teams this spring. She will attend UH to play soccer.
Micah Ma‘a, Punahou
Already All-State caliber his first three years, Ma‘a elevated his game to emerge as a dominant force for the Buffanblu volleyball team this spring. He ended his career with 26 kills in the state final and contributed to state championship teams in three sports. Ma‘a was a key contributor to the basketball program and played wide receiver for the football team. He signed with UCLA on a volleyball scholarship.
Kanawai Noa, Punahou
Wide receivers to come will be chasing Noa’s career yardage record … perhaps for quite a while. He went over 1,000 yards each of the last three years and finished with 3,510. He also scored at least 10 touchdowns each year, with Punahou reaching three consecutive Division state I finals and winning the title in 2013. Noa also played for the basketball team and won the ILH title in the 200 meters while qualifying for the state championships in three events. He signed with California.