Posted on: Tuesday, December 7, 2004
OIA WEST BOYS
Nanakuli's Amaral an all-around threat
| • | ILH Boys: Shoji's versatility was key to Iolani |
| • | ILH Girls: Nu'uhiwa set the pace for Punahou |
| • | OIA east boys: Kalaheo's David was Goliath-like |
| • | OIA west girls: 'Aiea's Kleman-Maeva shouldered the load |
| • | OIA east girls: Kalani's Miyashiro was best of best |
Advertiser Staff
Things did not look too promising for Nanakuli's boys entering the O'ahu Interscholastic Association volleyball playoffs.
Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser Leading the way was senior outside hitter Aaron Amaral, a four-year starter.
"Aaron was an all-around player for us all four years," said Nanakuli coach Rosalind Palakiko. "Setting, blocking, hitting, serving ... he worked hard and helped us wherever he could, on and off the court."
Amaral, 5 feet 11, was named the OIA West Player of the Year in a vote of division coaches. He is joined on the West's All-Star first team by Leilehua's Daniel Galarza and Edward Garcia, Mililani's Matthew Cheape and Scott Neumann, Pearl City's Joshua Fial, Waialua's James Dela Peņa and Waipahu's Malosi Saolotoga.
Waipahu's Julna Pasicaran was named Coach of the Year after the Marauders — 1-9 last season — went 9-1 and earned the West's regular-season championship.
The Golden Hawks were the No. 6 seed in the Western Division, barely qualifying for the tournament. But they upset East No. 3 Moanalua in the first round, then knocked off West runner-up Radford in the quarterfinals to earn a rare state tournament berth.
Nanakuli's Aaron Amaral, a four-year starter, sparked the Golden Hawks in the OIA postseason.
• • •
