Mililani's Asamura strong-armed West's best

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

When Mililani High School senior Johnna Rowland, a first-team all-state pitcher in 2000, was plagued by injuries last year, Trojans coach Mike Okimoto called on Miki Asamura.

Asamura, then a 5-foot sophomore, responded by helping Mililani to its third straight O'ahu Interscholastic Association championship and earning second-team all-state honors.

Rowland returned this year, going 8-0 with four shutouts in the regular season. But the right-handed Asamura did not fade into the background. Instead, she tossed a two-hitter with seven strikeouts against West runner-up Campbell and a perfect game with 10 strikeouts against West contender Waipahu. The Trojans won the latter game, 1-0.

In the OIA tournament, Asamura pitched a two-hitter in a 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Moanalua, tossed two shutout innings in a semifinal win over Leilehua and pitched another two-hitter with nine strikeouts in a 2-0 championship victory over previously unbeaten Castle.

She also batted .263 during the regular season and finished league play with a 4-0 record and 0.00 earned run average. To top it off, Asamura was named OIA West Player of the Year in a vote of division coaches.

Three other Trojans — second baseman Karyna Wilkerson, center fielder B.J. Shimamoto and catcher Erika Au — were named to the West's all-star first team.

Okimoto was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Trojans to a 10-0 regular-season record.

Pearl City placed two players on the first team — first baseman Kellie Nishikida and third baseman Alyssa Celine Akana. Campbell also had two first-team selections — shortstop Ashley Streadbeck and outfielder Alicia Pada.

Waipahu outfielder Noela Noga and Leilehua utility player Maile Christian round out the first team.