EASTERN DIVISION GIRLS
Two share player of year award

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Krisha Kai, of Kahuku, led the O'ahu Interscholastic Association East with 15 goals this season. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Castle's Aimee Watanabe played a big part in leading the Knights to a 6-1-3 record. Advertiser library photo

Kahuku's Krisha Kai, who led the East with 15 goals, and Castle's Aimee Watanabe, who helped the Knights (6-1-3) to a tie for second place, won the top honors.

Kai helped the Red Raiders (7-2-1) win the East.

"She was very dominant," Castle coach Mark Kane said. "With her combination of size and speed and skills, she was almost unstoppable."

Watanabe was not among the goal leaders, but she was valuable just the same as a center-midfielder.

"She was solid all-around," Kane said. "She starts our attack, and other coaches could see she was the one making her team work."

Watanabe is joined on the East's all-star first team by teammate Lovey Walker, a defender. Kailua led the way with four players: forward Keona Byers, defenders Stacey Takekawa and Marisa Yamada and keeper Johnalynn Ilae.

Kaiser and Kalaheo each were represented by two players: forward Jana Yoshino and defender Cindy Matsubara from Kaiser and forwards Tina Garcia and Anela Gonzales from Kalaheo.

Kaiser's Adolph Samuels was named Coach of the Year after leading the Cougars (6-1-3) to a tie for second place in his first season.