OIA East: Kalaheo center Wilhoite stood above competition

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Sam Wilhoite averaged 23.7 points per game, and also was a solid rebounder, shot blocker and passer. Advertiser library photo

Wilhoite, a 6-foot-7 center, has not drawn the same NCAA Division I attention that Sensley did but was nearly as impressive in standing head and shoulders above the rest of the players in the league.

He was named the OIA East's Player of the Year in what should have been an easy vote among the coaches.

Wilhoite led all O'ahu scorers by averaging 23.7 points per game, but also was a dominant rebounder, intimidating shot blocker and deft passer.

In a game that epitomized his all-around play, Wilhoite had 32 points, nine rebounds, six blocked shots, two assists and one steal in a 59-41 win over Moanalua.

Wilhoite is joined on the OIA East All-Star first team by teammate Theo Fujita, McKinley's Abel Werner, Kaimuki's Jimmy Miyasaka and Kahuku's Tevita Finau.

Fujita, a 5-10 junior guard, averaged 9 ppg but scored a career-high 26 points in a 74-61 overtime victory over Kahuku that clinched the East championship for the Mustangs (10-1).

Werner, a 5-8 senior guard, finished third in the East with an average of 15.6 ppg and led the undersized Tigers (7-4) into the OIA semifinals for the first time since 1989.

Miyasaka, a 6-2 senior wing, averaged 14.8 ppg and helped the Bulldogs (8-3) take third place in the East.

Finau, a 6-4 senior center, averaged 12 ppg but — like Wilhoite — contributed in many other ways. Going head-to-head against Wilhoite, he had 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocked shots and one steal.