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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, December 7, 2006

‘Aiea’s 5-4 Johnson filled giant void

'Aiea coach Blythe Yamamoto says Tasha Johnson "played every position in the front row ... and no matter where ... she did the job."

REBECCA BREYER | The Honolulu Advertiser

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With two-time Advertiser All-State outside hitter Lelani Kleman-Maeva — one of 'Aiea's greatest volleyball players ever — having graduated and off playing for the University of Nevada, somebody had to step up for Na Ali'i this season.

At 5 feet 4, senior Tasha Johnson may have been an unlikely candidate to fill the void left by the 5-11 Kleman-Maeva, but Johnson did well enough to be named Player of the Year in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association's Western Division in a recent vote of league coaches.

"I'm glad the other coaches recognized Tasha's consistency," 'Aiea coach Blythe Yamamoto said. "She was a smart hitter, using the block to aim her shots, she was strong on defense as one of our primary passers, and she was one of our best servers. She played every position in the front row — middle, right side, left side — and no matter where she played, she did the job.

"I never had to worry if she would bring her 'A' game; I knew she would always be ready."

Johnson is joined on the West's all-star first team by 'Aiea teammate Michelle Shiroma, a libero who is the only repeat selection.

Mililani and Pearl City each was represented by two players on the first team. Mililani placed Tessa Asuega and Shaleia Auld.

Pearl City was represented by Jazmin Pahukoa-Malia and Kathryn Markle, a setter.

Leilehua's Christiana Chandler rounds out the first team.

Yamamoto was named Coach of the Year for the third straight season after Na Ali'i (11-1) won their third straight West title.

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