Saturday, February 27, 1999
Howard, Itoman
get WAC honors
The Wahine basketball players are
By Al Chase
named to the all-Pacific Division team
Star-BulletinRaylene Howard and BJ Itoman have been named to the all-Western Athletic Conference Pacific Division women's basketball first team.
Howard, a 5-foot-11 forward from Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, received another honor when she was selected Pacific Division Player of the Year.
Itoman, a 5-5 guard out of Iolani School, also was picked for the Pacific Division all-defensive team.
They were the only Wahine players honored this year.
"I was very surprised. To me, it's a team sport and I just think it's one for the team. Same with BJ. It's a bonus," said Howard.
"I was very shocked. I didn't feel that I had an outstanding season and I wasn't expecting anything," Itoman said.
Howard averages 20.5 points per game, leads the WAC in field goal percentage (.572), is fourth in rebounds per game (7.8) and 11th in free throw percentage (.774).
Itoman is third in the conference in steals (2.8) and fourth in assists (5.0) per game
"It's almost impossible to become player of the year when your team comes in fourth in your division. It's a reflection of the conference coaches and their voting on Raylene's ability as a basketball player," Hawaii head women's coach Vince Goo said.
"BJ is obviously the best point guard in the conference. She belongs. Her defensive abilities are no secret, especially to the people who have to face her."
