Hiramatsu is ILH II top player

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

University High senior Tara Hiramatsu used her "Division I quality" quickness to guide the Junior Rainbows against bigger-school opponents. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

In the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II basketball league, she did the same as a 5-foot, 2-inch guard for the Junior Rainbows.

"She's very quick — she's Division I quality in that respect," said her coach, Henry Lee.

Hiramatsu also displayed other qualities, enough to be named Player of the Year in a vote of league coaches.

She averaged about 12 points per game, but more than that, she led the small-school Junior 'Bows against foes from bigger schools. Hiramatsu was the only UHS player to be named to the league's all-star first or second teams.

"She played with heart and was our leader out there," Lee said.

Hiramatsu is joined on the all-star first team by three players from league champion Kamehameha — 5-1 junior guard Napua Naumu, 5-6 senior forward Gina Cummings and 5-9 junior center Sarah Curnan. The other players on the first team are Hawai'i Baptist junior guard Kara Morita (5-1) and Iolani senior forward Kristin Kutara (5-7).

Kamehameha's Christina Apisa was named Coach of the Year.