Roosevelt's Kaina Palama was a big, powerful hitter built like a linebacker.

Hitting the volleyball hard was never a problem. But unlike most players his size, the 6-foot-2 senior also was an adept ball-handler.

For his all-around play, Palama was named OIA Red East Player of the Year in a recent vote of league coaches.

"He's got power in that arm in the middle, outside and back row," said Roosevelt coach Kaui Mendonca. "We used him mainly on the outside. We could move him around."

When Palama rotated to the back row, he was still an asset.

"His defense and passing were impressive for such a big kid," Mendonca said. "He could move around and get to the ball before it hit the floor."

Palama was the only repeat selection to the OIA Red East first team

"He played for us for four years," Mendonca said. "His experience was an asset. He took on more of a leadership role this year. He's a quiet guy. He led by example rather than verbal."

Roosevelt, which finished undefeated in the OIA regular season, also placed 6-6 junior Kenneth Rewick and 5-11 sophomore Joby Ramos (setter) on the all-star squad.

Castle and McKinley placed two players each on the OIA Red East first team.

The Knights were represented by 5-7 senior Kelly Berinobis and 6-foot senior Kody Carter. The Tigers placed 6-5 senior Earvin Sione and 5-6 sophomore Dominic Koo (libero).

Farrington's Lance Kinningham, a 5-11 senior, rounds out the first team.

Castle's Pat Gomes-Woolsey was named OIA Red East Coach of the Year after guiding the Knights to a 7-5 regular-season record.White DIVISION

Kahuku coach Kaniela Kalama describes setter Irwin Ah-Hoy as a "natural talent."

Ah-Hoy, a 6-foot junior, was named OIA White East Player of the Year in his first year of high school volleyball.

"I don't know how he knows, but he knows where to set the ball, he knows where the blockers are," Kalama said. "He's also a really good hitter. We fought with the decision of keeping him at setter."

Ah-Hoy never had the chance to play volleyball for the Red Raiders in previous seasons because football and volleyball were played in the same season in previous years. Boys volleyball was switched to the spring prior to this season.

He also competes in basketball and track and field.

Kahuku junior Christian Feagai also was named to the first team. Kaimuki sophomore Desmond Tautofi and senior Tau Yandall, Kaiser sophomore Shaun Nomura (libero) and Kailua's Styren Kahale round out the first team.

Kalama was named OIA White East Coach of the Year after Kahuku finished 11-1 in the regular season.