WESTERN DIVISION BOYS
Saito cast big shadow on field

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Shaunsey Saito earned football and soccer honors this year. Advertiser library photo • 2001

On the soccer field, Saito was an even bigger presence, anchoring the Sabers' defense from the sweeper position and earning OIA West Player of the Year honors along the way.

"He definitely had an impact on the game," Mililani coach Jeff Yamamoto said. "Teams that played against him had to make adjustments, because he was an athlete who took command out there and organized their whole backfield. And his throw-ins and kicks were dangerous, too, so you didn't want to push too many players up because he could counter you."

Saito was joined on the OIA West all-star first team by teammate Rocky Otsuka, a forward who led the West with 11 goals. West champion Mililani had four players on the first team: forwards Nathan Amous and Whitney Shimatsu and defenders Jay Abrigo and Chris Castell.

Pearl City was represented by forwards Chris Ka'auku'u and Ricky Shinn. Kapolei defender Keanui Carmack, Radford defender Eric Venglar and 'Aiea goalkeeper Brandon Puckett round out the team.

Pearl City's Scott Keopuhiwa was named Coach of the Year after the Chargers (7-1-1) rebounded from a 2002 season marred by forfeits.