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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, June 22, 2008

Robinson soars to top of the West

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Wai'anae's Anthony Robinson hit it big in the biggest matches.

DEBORAH BOOKER | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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The Robinson-to-Robinson combination worked well for the Wai'anae boys volleyball team this past season.

Anthony Robinson, a high-flying 6-foot junior outside hitter, was named OIA Red West Player of the Year after a recent vote of league coaches.

"I'm pretty sure he has the talent to go to the next level," said Wai'anae coach Fulton Dela Cruz. "If no one picks him to go to the next level, they're crazy."

Many of Robinson's sets came from older brother Aaron, a 5-7 senior who also made the league all-star team.

"Those two guys, they pretty much were the go-to players," Dela Cruz said.

Anthony Robinson came up big in the Seariders' big matches. He had 10 kills in a sweep of Kalaheo in the OIA tournament semifinals, then pounded 12 kills in a sweep of defending champion Roosevelt in the finals.

Surprisingly, Anthony Robinson didn't get much playing time for the Seariders last season, and Aaron Robinson didn't finish the year with the team, according to Dela Cruz.

He added: Anthony Robinson "bloomed big-time. He was an all-around player. Anywhere I needed him to play, he could. He played in the middle and was one of our main passers."

Pearl City led the squad with three players: 6-3 senior Karlo Rarangol, 5-9 senior Randen Cabato (setter) and 5-4 sophomore Camren Nebrija (libero).

Mililani 6-5 junior Reid Pangelinan, 'Aiea 6-4 senior Keli'i Aleaga and Leilehua 5-9 senior Lawrence Villavania Jr. round out the squad.

Dela Cruz was named OIA Red West Coach of the Year after guiding the Seariders to an 11-1 record in the regular season and the league title. White DIVISION

Waialua's Marnick Dela Cruz was a true student of the game.

Before Bulldogs' matches, Dela Cruz could be seen watching college volleyball matches on his iPod, according to Waialua coach Todd Cambonga.

Dela Cruz's ability to set and hit made him the OIA White West Player of the Year in a vote of league coaches.

"He played any position and was a good leader," Cambonga said.

He added, Dela Cruz was a "raw talent," who could get his "elbows over the net" on block attempts.

Waialua 6-3 senior Charles Murphy also made the first team. Campbell placed 6-2 senior Lopa Lesa, 5-4 senior Scott Cayabyab (libero) and 5-5 senior Randy Kalauli (setter). Nanakuli 6-1 senior Ikaika Kaawa and 5-9 senior Bryson Crawford, and Kapolei 5-9 senior Lance Defiesta round out the squad.

Nanakuli's Pedro Velasco Jr. was named OIA White West Coach of the Year after guiding the Golden Hawks to a 10-1 record in the regular season.

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