Alama-Francis named East Player of the Year

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Kalaheo senior Ikaika Alama-Francis proved difficult to defend because of a strong inside game and a feathery shooting touch from long range. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

A 6-6 player with a feathery touch from 20 feet is an even rarer find, one that Kalaheo was blessed with in senior forward Ikaika Alama-Francis.

After leading all O'ahu Interscholastic Association players by averaging 18.7 points per game, Alama-Francis earned Eastern Division Player of the Year honors in a vote of coaches.

He is joined on the East's All-Star first team by senior teammate DC Daniels, Kaimuki junior Daniel Tautofi, Roosevelt senior Casey Gouveia and Kaiser senior Drew Gregorson.

Daniels, a 6-3 forward, averaged 16.7 points per game to help give the Mustangs the state's most potent scoring duo.

Tautofi, a 6-2 forward, averaged 13.7 points per game. Like Alama-Francis, Tautofi was a strong inside scorer who also could step out and shoot from the perimeter. Tautofi also occasionally helped bring the ball up the court against pressure defenses.

Gouveia, a 5-9 guard, averaged 14.6 points per game, and Gregorson, a 6-5 center, averaged 14.4 points per game. Both played key roles in helping their undermanned teams earn playoff berths.

Stephen Lee, who guided Kaimuki to an 8-2 (runner-up) finish in the regular season, was named Coach of the Year.