For the third consecutive season, an ‘Iolani girl is the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s volleyball player of the year. This time, it’s senior outside hitter Saige Ka‘aha‘aina-Torres, who was selected for that honor by coaches from around the state.
And for the second time in three years, the player of the year is not from the Division I state championship team. Two years ago, in a scenario much like this year, the Raiders’ Bailey Choy was named as the top player after Kamehameha won the state title. Last season, ‘Iolani’s Elena Oglivie earned top honors and led her team to the D-I crown.
This year, Oglivie checks in at No. 2 in the Star-Advertiser’s Fab 15, behind Ka‘aha‘aina-Torres. The next three spots Nos. 3 through 5 as well as the coach of the year selection all belong to the Kamehameha Warriors, who proved to be the state’s best for the 21st time since the inaugural championship tournament in 1969.
Coach Chris Blake, who guided the Warriors to the state’s top prize for the ninth time since 2005, was rewarded with his seventh coach of the year award and first since 2013. ‘Iolani’s Kainoa Obrey, Damien’s Don Faumuina and Lee Lamb of Le Jardins reigning two-time D-II championship team were in contention for the honor.
Ka‘aha‘aina-Torres, who averaged 16 kills and nine digs in the state tournament, combined with Oglivie who is only a sophomore to form a powerful outside attack for the Raiders. Oglivie showed her all-around skills in the state-final loss to the Warriors with 18 kills and 20 digs.
Both ‘Iolani girls are repeat choices to the Fab 15.
“Saige is such a warrior,” Blake said about the rival ‘Iolani player. “She was asked to do everything to be one of the primary passers and to hit from both the left and right sides, and for a portion of the season, to be a setter. “
“Elena is such a dynamic and physical player. She is terminal from all positions on the court. She was able to step it up over the course of the season as most teams keyed their defense and block to slow down her effectiveness, with little success.”
No. 3 Lexis Akeo, No. 4 Braelyn Akana and No. 5 Kili Robins are the Kamehameha girls in the Fab 15.
Akeo, a setter, and Akana, a middle, are juniors who also both made the list a year ago. Robins, a senior hitter, missed All-State honors last season, but made it as a sophomore.
“Lexis has been a key component of the success of our team for the past three years,” Blake said. “She came back this year very focused and driven to defend our league title and to be back in the state-title match. She improved by constantly communicating with her team in order to get them their best set to lead to kills.”
“Braelyn is such a physical and dominating presence on the net and was a force for teams to deal with. Kili showed her overall consistency on and off the court. She led our team in attempts and kills, and with her passing and defensive play, was a huge part of our success.”
Le Jardin outside hitter Natalie Piper, Hawaii Baptist setter Ally Wada, Kahuku opposite ShaLi Niu, Moanalua libero Hula Cristostomo, Maryknoll middle Natalie Nava Minjarez, Punahou hitters Amalia Paige Hilliard and Savana Greene, Damien hitter Shelby Capllonch and middles Michelyn Pilila‘au of Kapolei and Rhyenne Filisi of Maryknoll round out the Fab 15, in order. Except for Nava Minjarez and Capllonch, all are seniors.
Wada, who had 31 assists and 22 digs in a D-II state final loss to Le Jardin, is a three-time Fab 15 selection.
Star-Advertiser’s Fab 15
Rank Name, School Pos. Ht. Yr.
1. Saige Ka‘aha‘aina-Torres, ‘Iolani OH 6-0 Sr.
2. Elena Oglivie, ‘Iolani OH 5-10 So.
3. Lexis Akeo, Kamehameha S 5-10 Jr.
4. Braelyn Akana, Kamehameha M 6-0 Jr.
5. Kili Robins, Kamehameha OH 5-11 Sr.
6. Natalie Piper, Le Jardin OH 5-9 Sr.
7. Ally Wada, Hawaii Baptist S 5-7 Sr.
8. ShaLi Niu, Kahuku OPP 6-1 Sr.
9. Hula Crisostomo, Moanalua L 5-5 Sr.
10. Natalie Nava Minjarez, Maryknoll M 6-0 Jr.
11. Amalia Paige Hilliard, Punahou OH 6-0 Sr.
12. Savana Greene, Punahou OH 6-2 Sr.
13. Shelby Capllonch, Damien OH 5-8 Jr.
14. Michelyn Pilila‘au, Kapolei M 5-10 Sr.
15. Rhyenne Filisi, Maryknoll M 6-3 Sr.
Player of year: Saige Ka‘aha‘aina-Torres, ‘Iolani
Coach of year: Chris Blake, Kamehameha
HONORABLE MENTION
>> Aiea: Leslie Mamai-Lagafuaina
>> Hawaii Baptist: Naiya Fujikawa, Kallie Langford
>> Hawaii Prep: Madi Lee
>> Hilo: Kailee Kurokawa, Taina Leao, Lexi Paglinawan, Kawai Ua
>> ‘Iolani: Naya Dong, Kristen McDaniel
>> Kahuku: Lauolive Tonga
>> Kapolei: Amryi Paris, Anela Pakaki-Pias, Olivia Transfiguracion
>> Kamehameha: Keonilei Akana, Kalina Obrey, Kealani Ontai
>> Kamehameha-Hawaii: Summer Ah Choy
>> Kamehameha-Maui: Alea Cervantes, Kimani Fernandez-Roy, Talia Leauanae
>> Kapaa: Tia Takasaki
>> Kauai: Rebecca Zenger
>> King Kekaulike: Chandler Cowell, Nina Macphetridge, Kalena Vaivai
>> Le Jardin: Julia Fisher, Nive Tuileta
>> Maryknoll: Jhenna Gabriel, Kiari Gier
>> Mililani: Falanika Danielson
>> Moanalua: Emily Dulaney, Sara Ehnstrom
>> Punahou: Teana Adams-Kaonohi, Lauren Asato, Isabelle Bauer
>> Sacred Hearts: Tate Lutu
>> Seabury Hall: Isabel Bennett, Kiana Hyman, Erica Pilotin
>> Waiakea: Jazmyne Alston, Jordyn Hayashi, Kayla Kahauolopua
>> Waianae: Jasmine Fonoti, Kamilla Marinas, Chevelle Wagner
>> Waimea: Gabrielle Peleras, Daysha Nelmida-Rice, Leiko Yamauchi
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