Jessica Hanato
Four years ago, Konawaena was just another girls basketball team. Ever since, the Wildcats have been a Hawai'i powerhouse, with one state championship, one state runner-up finish and four straight state quarterfinal appearances.
The constant in all that has been Jessica Hanato.
Hanato's energetic presence has epitomized Konawaena's rise to the upper echelon of Hawai'i girls basketball. It was evident two years ago, when she helped push Kahuku to double-overtime in a state quarterfinal game; last year, when the Wildcats held off Kahuku in a thrilling state final, and the memorable double-overtime state championship game two weeks ago against Punahou, when Hanato played all 40 minutes of a fast-paced game.
Basketball, softball Grade-point average: 3.7 College: Linfield
She was Big Island Player of the Year this past season and a likely first-team All-State selection, but basketball only tells part of Hanato's story.
Konawaena
She twice was a second-team all-league shortstop who helped Konawaena reach the Division II state semifinals this year, carried a 3.7 cumulative grade-point average, was student body vice president and was involved in several charity and community events.
Hanato overcame personal tragedy when her disabled/handicapped brother passed away and has emerged as a productive and personable and young woman.
She will attend Linfield College and play basketball.
