Tribune-Herald
The Big Island showcased its athletic talent and determination in February on the statewide level, capturing three state team championships and two individual swimming gold medals in a highly successful month.
And it should come as no surprise that when it was time to select the Big Island Athlete of the Month for February that those three teams — the Konawaena and Kamehameha girls in basketball and Honokaa boys in soccer — and the two individual state champions — Hawaii Prep’s Anu Nihipali and Hilo High’s Beth Tsuha — were tabbed to share the honor. Nihipali and Tsuha as well as head coaches Bobbie Awa (Konawaena), Garrett Arima (Kamehameha) and Maurice Miranda (Honokaa) were designated as the honorees as the BIIF athletes and teams claimed their coveted state crowns.
“It’s really hard to win a state title as an individual athlete or with a team because of the strong competition across the state,” said Stan Costales, a member of the Big Island Athlete of the Month selection committee. “But when the Big Island comes away with five state championships in a month, that’s very impressive. We applaud those state champions for their outstanding performances. February was definitely a great month for the Big Island.”
Below is a capsule on the February honorees:
• Konawaena girls basketball team: State Division I champion and BIIF champion. The Wildcats, under veteran coach Bobbie Awa, defeated Iolani 56-45 to capture the state D-I title on Feb. 10 at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu.
It was the Wildcats’ second straight state crown and third in the last five years. Konawaena has also won five of the past nine state titles under Awa.
In the state finals in February, seniors Lia Galdeira (21 points, 8 rebounds) and Dawnyelle Awa (12 points, 6 assists) led Konawaena past Iolani in a hard-fought championship game. The Wildcats finished their remarkable season with a 27-3 overall record, including unbeaten in Hawaii.
Earlier, the Wildcats topped Waiakea 47-30 in the BIIF D-I title game at Hilo Civic. Konawaena went 12-0 in league play and was 49-0 in the BIIF over the past four years with Galdeira and Awa in the starting lineup.
• Kamehameha girls basketball team: State Division II champion and BIIF champion. The Warriors, under coach Garrett Arima, beat Kauai High 57-36 in the state D-II title game on Feb. 10 at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu.
The Warriors (15-2) were led by sophomore Casey Poe (16 points) and senior Chelsea Poe (14 points) in the state final. Casey Poe, Chelsea’s sister, was named the tournament’s most outstanding player. Earlier, Kamehameha fought past Honokaa 45-40 to win the BIIF D-II title at Hilo Civic.
• Honokaa boys soccer team: State D-II champion and BIIF champion. The Dragons, under coach Maurice Miranda, defeated Kapaa 1-0 in the state D-II final on Feb. 18 at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex on Oahu. Junior Nino Quijano’s goal in the 73rd minute proved to be the game-winner as the Dragons won their second straight state title.
BIIF runner-up Christian Liberty claimed third place in the state D-II tournament.
Earlier, Honokaa edged Christian Liberty 2-0 for the BIIF D-II title. Honokaa finished its perfect season with a 19-0 record.
• Anu Nihipali, HPA swimmer: State champion. The junior captured the 100-yard backstroke in 57.24 seconds in the state championships on Feb. 11 on Maui.
Earlier in the BIIF Finals, she set her third league record of the season.
• Beth Tsuha, Hilo High swimmer: State champion. The junior claimed the 200 freestyle in 1:54.42 in the state championships on Feb. 11 on Maui.
During the BIIF Finals, she won the 100- and 200-yard freestyle events.
The Big Island athlete of the month program is sponsored by Don’s Grill, under owner Don Hoota. The athlete of the month as well as athlete and sportsperson of the year programs were founded by the late Jack Matsui.
Members of the selection committee are Hugh Clark, Ramon Goya, Stan Costales and chairman Bill O’Rear.
Nominations
Nominations for the March athlete of the month may be sent to Don’s Grill, 485 Hinano St., Hilo, HI 96720, or to Bill O’Rear, Tribune-Herald Sports, P.O. Box 767, Hilo, HI 96721; or e-mail borear@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
The deadline to submit nominations is April 1.
2012 Athletes of the Month
• January: Jason Alani, NFL Punt, Pass & Kick national champion.
• February: State champions Konawaena (girls D-I basketball), Kamehameha (girls D-II basketball), Honokaa (boys D-II soccer) and swimming champions Anu Nihipali (Hawaii Prep) and Beth Tsuha (Hilo High).
