Kane a threat here, there, everywhere
By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Kailua senior midfielder Kealoha "Hea" Kane's ability to play all over the field and be a scoring threat from anywhere were only two reasons why she was named the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Eastern Division Player of the Year.
"As far as (Kailua) is concerned, their success had a lot to do with her," Kaiser coach Adolph Samuels said. "Thirty yards and closer, she was dangerous in shooting the ball. If you didn't mark her in that area, she was dangerous.
"They went really far because of her. I know (Kailua coach Wil Kimura) counted on her for a lot."
Kane showed her range as a sophomore when she blasted a 45-yard kick in the OIA semifinals to send the Surfriders to the title game. She continued to make her presence known by showcasing her abilities in various positions.
"She played all over the field, too," Samuels said.
Joining Kane on the first team are teammates Cherise Lee, a forward, and defender Courtney Kimhan.
Moanalua, which won the Eastern Division, placed two players on the first team: forward Vanessa Butin, who scored seven goals and was the OIA Eastern Division Player of the Year last year, and midfielder Tanya Nojiri, who tied for second in the division with 10 goals.
Roosevelt also placed two on the first team: midfielder Rachel Domingo and defender Allison Haines.
Castle forward Ashley Kanda, who scored a division-high 13 goals, Kahuku midfielder Brianne Huddy, defender Chelsea Anglin of Kalaheo, McKinley defender Chelsie Sato and Kaiser goalkeeper Amber Nakachi were also first-team selections.
Kanda, Butin, Kane and Sato are repeat selections to the first team.
Samuels was named Coach of the Year after directing the Cougars to a second-place finish in the Eastern Division.
First Team Pos. Player School F Ashley Kanda Castle F Cherise Lee Kailua F Vanessa Butin Moanalua MF Kealoha “Hea” Kane Kailua MF Tanya Nojiri Moanalua MF Rachel Domingo Roosevelt MF Brianne Huddy Kahuku D Courtney Kimhan Kailua D Chelsea Anglin Kaläheo D Chelsie Sato McKinley D Allison Haines Roosevelt GK Amber Nakachi Kaiser Player of the Year: Kealoha “Hea” Kane, Kailua Coach of the Year: Adolph Samuels, Kaiser Second Team Honorable Mention |
Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.