honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, March 27, 2009

Waipahu junior Velasco was pleasant surprise

By Stanley Lee
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
spacer spacer

Genivee Velasco's game was never indicative of the way her team's season went.

The Waipahu junior guard was named O'ahu Interscholastic Association White Conference Western Division Player of the Year. Her award, voted upon by league coaches, surprised Waipahu coach Nadine Villarmia.

"I didn't think we won enough games," said Villarmia, whose team went 3-10 in OIA play. "I thought she deserved to make it on the first team."

Velasco is joined on the OIA White West all-star first team by Leilehua senior Michelle Fletcher and junior Patricia Lindo, and Nanakuli senior Violet Mao and sophomore Kirstie Rosa.

A first-year varsity player, Velasco set the tempo for the Marauders and was the firecracker that sparked the squad. She led the team in scoring in nine games and scored 19 in a loss to Castle and 17 in a win over 'Anuenue.

"She adjusted really well, she's a gamer," Villarmia said. "If it's a game, she won't back down for anybody."

Leilehua's Elroy Dumlao was named Coach of the Year after leading the Mules to an 8-6 record and the West's No. 1 seed for the league playoffs.

Reach Stanley Lee at sktlee@honoluluadvertiser.com.

• • •