Warriors' Ching leads way

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

MEGAN CHING: Kamehameha junior averages 10.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and led school to state title. Advertiser library photo

That's because all five of this year's members should be back to defend their places. It is the first time in at least 10 seasons that no senior made the first team.

Punahou juniors Rachel Kane and Becky Hogue, Kamehameha junior Megan Ching, McKinley junior Amber Lee and Konawaena sophomore Nancy Hoist were selected after voting by a panel of 11 coaches, assistants and members of the media.

Ching, a 5-foot-7 wing, was a unanimous choice and was named Player of the Year.

She averaged 10.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, four assists and three steals per game in the regular season. But more important, she symbolized the Warriors' relentless, attacking style that helped them capture their third state championship in the past four years.

"I think Megan Ching is unreal," McKinley coach Jesse Victorino said. "She can handle the ball, she can shoot, she can rebound — she can do it all."

Kamehameha coach Clay Cockett said Ching played all five positions this season. He also cited her ability to come up with big plays at crucial moments.

A prime example was the state championship game, in which she scored only two points in the first half but finished with 10, including the go-ahead putback with 40 seconds remaining and two free throws with 29 seconds left to give the Warriors a 43-39 lead.

"That's what she does for us," Cockett said. "We were very lucky to have her on the floor."

Punahou was fortunate to have two players of such caliber in Kane and Hogue.

Kane, a 5-7 guard, was perhaps the state's top open-court player. Like Ching, she contributed in all facets and was a unanimous choice among voters.

Kane averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 3.4 steals per game. She supplemented her fleet-footed drives and running jumpers by chasing down loose balls and rebounds and seemingly being everywhere on the court.

"Rachel has such a keen understanding of the game," Cockett said. "With her, it's not just one phase she's strong in — it's rebounding, steals, assists, everything. She has great anticipation, a good sense for the ball. It's just like she's reading the opponents' minds and is three steps ahead of everybody else."

In perhaps the biggest tribute, Cockett said in the Warriors' six games against Punahou (including preseason), Kane was "the No. 1 player we tried to prevent from scoring and keep off the boards."

"From the second the ball leaves a shooter's hands, she knows where the rebound is going to go," Cockett said. "Not too many high school players — even boys — can do that, but she does it well."

Hogue, a 6-foot forward, was the premier low post threat in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu season by averaging 14.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Cockett said Hogue also was a top priority in Kamehameha's game plan.