The following is a list of local sports briefs.
Kauka named Player of the Year
Kohala boys basketball star guard Layden Kauka was named Hawaii Max Preps Player of the Year last week.
The 6-foot-1 phenom led the Cowboys to an impressive 25-4 record that led to Kauka’s third Division-II state title in four seasons.
On the year, he averaged 26.3 points per game, including going 87.1% from the free-throw line. Kauka scored a career-best 42 points against HPA on Jan. 20.
In Kohala’s 49-35 rout of Seabury Hall in this year’s state championship, Kauka scored 28 points, hauled in five rebounds and dished out three assists.
In addition to these honors, Kauka was named the BIIF’s DII Player of the Year. He will next take his talents to the University of Hawaii-Hilo, where he will be a Vulcan this fall.
Montes II named Player of the Week
Hawaii-Hilo’s Julio Montes II dropped in 35 points in a narrow 79-76 loss to Azusa Pacific, putting himself at the top of single-game performance chart in the PacWest this year. The Chicago native hit 13 of 23 shots, including 3 of 5 from three-point range and he nailed all six of his free throw attempts. For the week in three games, the 5-11 guard average almost 25 points a game with six rebounds, seven assists and six steals. He shot 50 percent from the field (24-48), 50 percent from behind the arch (7-14) and converted 19 of 20 free throw opportunities.
Santos named Pitcher of the Week
Hawaii-Hilo’s Janessa Santos tossed a beauty in just her third start in a Vulcan uniform. The Pacific University transfer threw a complete-game, 7-inning shutout against rival Chaminade, allowing just one hit, one walk and she fanned seven. She gave up just one second-inning single and wrapped up the contest on a tidy 83 pitches. She induced four flyouts and ten ground outs, including three right back to her. Santos is now 2-0 on the season with a 1.78 ERA.
Tuson named to American Samoa National Team
Waiakea senior Gabriella Tuson was recently selected to the American Samoa Women’s National Team, which will compete in the second stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifier beginning Feb. 27 in Honiara, Soloman Islands.
American Samoa will play in three matches to decide the advancement to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil next summer. The team will compete against Soloman Islands, Samoa and New Zealand.
In Sept. 2025, the national team held a week-long, rigorous tryout program in Los Angeles where players showcased their skill and determination. Tuson was selected to try out due to her leadership on the Lady Warriors — winning two BIIF titles in her tenure.
Tuson will play on the team as a defender. She was the only Big Island athlete to be selected to the team.
