No shortage of contenders — again

By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer

The O'ahu Interscholastic Association Western Division baseball race went down to the wire last season.

This season, expect more of the same.

Leilehua, Mililani, Campbell, Pearl City, 'Aiea and Wai'anae all have legitimate shots at the title.

"The West is really tough," Mililani coach Glenn Nitta said. "Any number of teams could win it."

Said Pearl City coach Melvin Seki: "On any given day, anybody can win. I'm looking forward to a real interesting season."

Last season, Leilehua and Mililani tied for the West title with 9-1 records. Wai'anae finished 8-2 and 'Aiea 7-3.

Leilehua will field a team with four seniors, seven juniors, one sophomore and two freshmen.

"Only 14 tried out for the varsity so we had to supplement by taking from our JV team," said Garrett Yukumoto, the OIA West Coach of the Year last season.

The Mules' top players are seniors Jay Baptista (catcher), B.J. Clifton (shortstop/-second base), Matt Omalza (pitcher/first base) and Nick Mehio (center field).

Josh Jones, the OIA West Player of the Year last season, moved to Mississippi.

Mililani will be led by coach Nitta's sons — junior Gainor (pitcher) and senior Galenn (third base).

Seniors Cy Donald (shortstop) and Kurt Miyahira (catcher) are the Trojans' other top players.

Campbell has one of the division's top pitching prospects in 6-foot-5 senior left-hander Chad Bailey.

"Chad is going to be something special if he can live up to his potential," Campbell coach Lane Watanuki said. "He needs to continue to work to get to the next level."

Bailey's fastball has been clocked in the mid-80s, and a few college recruiters and pro scouts have been watching him, according to Watanuki.

Pearl City's offense will be led by seniors Gavin Concepcion (catcher), Blane Kagamida (first base) and Erik Mizoshiri (outfield).

Sophomores Shawn Benson, a left-hander, and Jonathan Serapion, a right-hander, throw in the low 80s, Seki said.

Ryan Kato, a former player at the University of Hawai'i, will be in his first season as coach of 'Aiea.

His top players are seniors Casey Onaga (pitcher/first base) and Skip Saito (second base), and junior Chase Nakamura (shortstop).

Wai'anae's top players are seniors Peter Sarono (catcher) and Jonah Nunuha (shortstop), both of whom started on the football team.