Iolani's Lei, Baldwin's Russell to play softball at Brigham Young

By Dennis Anderson
Advertiser Staff Writer

Four-time all-state softball player Ianeta Lei of Iolani has signed a scholarship agreement with Brigham Young University (Utah).

Lei was the state Position Player of the Year in 2000, when she helped lead Iolani to its second straight state championship with an amazing .891 slugging percentage. She was chosen first-team all-state three times, once each as an outfielder, designated hitter and pitcher, and second team this year as a pitcher.

She received nearly a full ride from BYU; she will only have to pay for half her meal plan next year. She also had an offer from the University of Hawai'i, her mother said.

Lei, who is from Mililani, will graduate Saturday.

Also signing with BYU was Baldwin catcher Ashlyn Russell, who was first-team all-state the past two years.

Other college commitments reported to Homegrown Report in the past week:

SWIMMING

Iolani's Kimo Yamashiro, the state 200-yard individual medley champion (1:57.15), is headed for the U.S. Air Force Academy. Next month his head will be shaved for reasons other than swimming fast. Cadet boot camp starts June 27.

Yamashiro was also recruited by Army, UC-San Diego, Emory and Columbia.

TENNIS

Kealakehe High's Michael Chan, half of the state high school championship boys doubles team this year, and St. Louis' Michael Wojnarowicz of Kane'ohe, who was the No. 1 seed in state boys singles, have signed scholarship agreements with Loyola Marymount of Los Angeles.

Wojnarowicz, who has been ranked in the top 75 nationally for his age group, "will no doubt make an immediate impact for us," Loyola Marymount coach Nik DeVore said. "He is a very solid all-court player."

DeVore called Chan "a superior athlete who has unbelievable potential for growth as a college tennis player."

Kaua'i High's doubles team of Kareen Konishi and Tiana Lum-Tucker, who placed third in the state tournament, are going in opposite directions.

Konishi will attend University of Idaho and Lum-Tucker is headed for University of San Diego.

BASKETBALL

Honoka'a's Erika Tadio, second-team girls all-state in 2001, will attend Hartnell junior college in Salinas, Calif., where Honoka'a's Austin Souza, a first-team boys all-stater in 2001, was a standout this year. Roosevelt's Keola Stietzel signed with Iowa Wesleyan.

FOOTBALL

Lahainaluna strong safety Ikaika Neizman, Maui's Defensive Player of the Year last fall, signed with New Mexico Highlands.