With three-time O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference Eastern Division Player of the Year Courtney Kessell finally graduated from Kailua, the East title was up for grabs this season.

And Castle grabbed it, thanks in large part to senior pitcher Michal Pane'e. She started all of the Knights' regular-season games, winning 11 of 12, and led Castle to the division crown.

For her efforts, she was named East Player of the Year after a vote of league coaches.

Pane'e established herself and the Knights as the real deal in the first round, when she tossed a three-hitter to defeat Kailua, 1-0. It was Castle's first OIA victory over the Surfriders since 2002. She later did not allow a hit in six shutout innings to help the Knights defeat Kaiser, 6-0, and pitched a one-hitter to defeat Moanalua, 1-0.

Including the playoffs, Pane'e finished with an 11-3 record with a 1.40 earned run average and struck out 57. She is joined on the OIA East All-Star first team by teammates Kelly Nishitomi at second base and Cheynah Farley in the outfield.

Kailua and Moanalua also placed three players each on the first team. Kailua was represented by third baseman Shyenne Hussey, catcher Brittany Tokunaga and designated player Januari Santiago.

Moanalua placed first baseman Brittni Ronolo, shortstop Traci Yoshikawa and outfielder Glennis Rodrigues.

Kaiser outfielder Nanea Chan, Kaimuki pitcher Genesis Fruean and Roosevelt utility player Makana Frank round out the first team.

Ronolo, Hussey and Chan are repeat selections.

Castle's Jon Berinobis was named Coach of the Year for helping the Knights break Kailua's three-year stranglehold on the Eastern Division.