Leilehua's Omalza is OIA West's best

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Leilehua senior Spencer Omalza was a solid pitcher (4-1 record) and a feared hitter, who batted .500 and drew six intentional walks. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

This sign of respect was shown to Leilehua senior pitcher/shortstop Spencer Omalza six times this year, including twice in the crucial regular-season finale against Pearl City.

League coaches gave Omalza another huge sign of respect later when they selected him as O'ahu Interscholastic Association West Player of the Year.

Omalza, who made the West All-Star first team as a shortstop for the second straight year, batted .500 during the regular season and also went 4-1 as a pitcher.

More important, he led the Mules to a 9-1 record and surprise first-place tie with preseason favorite 'Aiea for the West championship.

Two games in particular showed Omalza's value:

He went 2 for 4 with two doubles and four RBIs to help Leilehua overcome an 8-1 deficit to defeat Wai'anae, 11-9. And in the regular season's final week, he was the winning pitcher and batted 3 for 5 with two doubles against Mililani, also stealing home during a two-run rally in the 10th inning to lift the Mules to a 6-4 victory.

He was the only Leilehua player selected to the first team.

'Aiea led the way with six players: first baseman Kepa Wong, third baseman Lance Powell, outfielders Dylan Libadisos and Bryson Tajiri, catcher Aaron Asher and pitcher Blake Lamug.

Pearl City and Kapolei each had two first-team selections. Pearl City placed second baseman Michael Higa and pitcher Tony Ganigan, and Kapolei was represented by designated hitter Bryan Padayao and utility player Colin Dumlao.

Mililani outfielder Chaz Miyashiro rounds out the first team.

Leilehua's Garrett Yukumoto, who had four sophomores and a freshman in the starting lineup, was named Coach of the Year.