Kailua and Kamehameha The Star-Bulletin first team is dotted with familiar faces this year, including six repeat selections from a season ago.
leave impression
on 2003 first team
League All-Stars
Courtney Kessell led Kailua to top
By Tim Crouse
tcrouse@starbulletin.comIn fact, two players -- Kamehameha's Brandi Peiler and Mililani's B.J. Shimamoto -- are first-team members for the third consecutive year.
Peiler is best known for her bat, as she hit .462 this year (following a .548 average last season). But she was also 3-0 with a perfect game and a no-hitter, to back up Warriors ace Kate Robinson, also a first-team selection.
Peiler allowed no earned runs in her 20 2/3 innings. At the plate, she had eight extra-base hits, 13 RBIs, 17 runs and six stolen bases.
"(Robinson and Peiler) are poised on the mound, in the field and at the plate," Iolani coach Chris Shimabukuro said. "They have that air of confidence. They have a good understanding of the game, mentally, physically. They have all the right tools."
Robinson was 10-2 with a 0.53 ERA in 65 2/3 innings. Her strikeout-to-walk ratio was 8.6. Robinson tossed one no-hitter, two one-hitters and was a part of three more combined no-hitters.
Robinson and Peiler's pitches were received by first-team catcher Kaulana Gould. The junior was especially tough to run on.
"She's a leader," Warriors coach Ty Sing Chow said. "When we have team meetings, she lets the players know where they need to be. Her leadership during the game was phenomenal."
Shimamoto, a senior outfielder, will walk on at Hawaii-Hilo in the fall. Her Mililani teammate Miki Asamura and Baldwin's Zoie Sevilla, both first-team picks for the second straight year, will also play for Hilo.
Asamura had a stellar senior campaign, highlighted by a pair of perfect games within a 10-day span. The Trojans ace was 11-2, with her only losses coming to the two teams that played for the state title.
The first-team infield is filled out by Kamehameha's Sharee Fonoti, Kaimuki's Tyleen Tausaga and Mililani's Charity Senas. The first baseman is Kailua's Kamaile Hughes.
Fonoti, a junior shortstop, and Tausaga, a senior infielder who is headed to UH, are repeat first-team choices.
Hughes put up the power numbers for Kailua -- with a team-high 18 runs batted in and 28 total bases -- and also hit .630 during the OIA season and .714 at states (5-for-7).
"She can hit!" Kaimuki coach Lene Tausaga said. "And she's only a sophomore, that's the scary part."
Tyleen Tausaga, who was pitched around much of the season, hit .550 and played good defense at several infield positions.
The first-team outfield consists of Peiler, Shimamoto, Sevilla, and Kailua's Danielle Young.
Sevilla, a repeat first-team selection, played great defense and was the spark in the Bears' offense. Young hit .469 during the OIA season and scored 18 runs.
Longtime Kailua coach Bernard Victor is the Star-Bulletin Coach of the Year after guiding the Surfriders to their first state crown since 1997.
"I have so much respect for Mr. Victor," Baldwin coach Ryan Souza said. "He's definitely the patriarch of Hawaii softball now. He never panics."
Pitcher:
THE TEAMS
First Team
Courtney Kessell, Kailua, So.
Miki Asamura, Mililani, Sr.
Catcher:
Kaulana Gould, Kamehameha, Jr.
First base:
Kamaile Hughes, Kailua, So.
Infield:
Tyleen Tausaga, Kaimuki, Sr.
Charity Senas, Mililani, Jr.
Sharee Fonoti, Kamehameha, Jr.
Outfield:
B.J. Shimamoto, Mililani, Sr.
Zoie Sevilla, Baldwin, Sr.
Danielle Young, Kailua, Sr.
Outfield/Pitcher:
Brandi Peiler, Kamehameha, Jr.
Pitcher/Infielder:
Kate Robinson, Kamehameha, Jr.
Pitcher: Sarah Weisskopf, Punahou, So., Lia Pedrina, Castle, Sr. Second Team
Catcher: Anuhea Young, Castle, Sr.
First base: Nicole Kalakau, Kamehameha, Jr., Blair Agena, Iolani, Jr.
Infield:Loke Lastimosa, Kailua, Sr., Chaz Ebalaroza, Kapolei, Jr.
Outfield: Sachelle Featheran, Castle, Sr., Napua Naumu, Kamehameha, Sr. Pikake Choy Foo, Kailua, Sr.
Utility: Sabrina Alesna-Mindoro, Baldwin, Sr., Tanisha Milca, Kailua, So.
>> Bernard Victor, Kailua Coach of the Year
Hilo: Haunani Haasenritter. Iolani: Jocelyn Tamayo, Amy Fujimoto. Kamehameha: Marayna Allosada-Singson, Lena Nahale, Laua'e Emmsley-Chang. Kapolei: Tajia Acierto. Leilehua: Alexis San Nicolas. Mililani:Sandy Nakamura. Moanalua: MikaTanji. Waiakea: Elise DuPonte. Waianae: Tracy Kane, Shaylla Moses. Waimea: Lynette Perreira. Honorable Mention
* Star-Bulletin teams chosen after consultation with coaches from around the state
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Player of the Year -- Brandi Peiler, Kamehameha
LEAGUE ALL-STARS
ILH
Coach of the Year -- Larry Sakamoto, University
First Team --C: Kaulana Gould, Kamehameha. 1B: Nicole Kalakau, Kamehameha. 2B: Lindsay Fujita, Punahou. 3B: Laua'e Emmsley-Chang, Kamehameha. SS: Sharee Fonoti, Kamehameha. OF: Amy Fujimoto, Iolani; Napua Naumu, Kamehameha; Kimi Daniel, Sacred Hearts. P: Kate Robinson, Kamehameha; Sarah Weisskopf, Punahou. U: Mandy Yoshizu, University. DH: Lena Nahale, Kamehameha.
Second Team -- C: Iwalani Yamaguchi, University. 1B: Blair Agena, Iolani. 2B: Liane Horiuchi, Kamehameha. 3B: Gail Matsushima, Punahou. SS: Anita Manuma, St. Francis. OF: Kelly Asato, Iolani; Chelsey Keola, Iolani; Marayna Allosada-Singson, Kamehameha. P: Sheryl Fukuda, Iolani; Carolyn Fisher, St. Francis. U: Penny Chock, Sacred Hearts. DH: Cara Hasegawa, University.
Honorable Mention -- Kamehameha: Emoani Snow. Iolani: Stacey Toguchi, Tiffany Rodrigues, Jocelyn Tamayo, Tricia Sakamoto, Monique Obra, Tara Yanagihashi. University: Cara Ragragola, Cherisse Toilolo, Layla Lariosa, Kristen Bukes, Kuulei Padeken, Richie Titcomb, Jessica Ghazali. Punahou: Rachel Kane, Kristen Kano, Kelly Ishii, Cristen Aona, Shanna Decanay, Kaha Weir. St. Francis: Cindel Zimmerman. Mid-Pacific: Angela Ahuna, Jana Ching. La Pietra: Mollie Tafoya, Jessica Miller, Annie Waid. Maryknoll: Jessica Akamine.
Selections not available
MIL
Player of the Year -- Lynette Perreira, Waimea
KIF
Coach of the Year -- Pat Baniaga, Waimea
P: Anna Quibalan, Kauai. C: Ulu Kelekoma, Kauai. 1B: Daelene Perreira, Waimea. 2B: Melissa Moreno, Waimea. 3B: Kainoa Dejos, Kauai. SS: Ashley Mier, Waimea. OF: Tia Koerte, Waimea; Ashley Silva, Kauai; Ashley Lazaro, Waimea. U: Kassandra Wong, Kapaa.
Player of the Year -- Elise DuPonte, Waiakea
BIIF
Coach of the Year -- Charlene Manu, Waiakea
First Team --1B: Leigh Springer, Waiakea. 2B: Alicia Mihara, Hilo. 3B: Paige Kurosawa, Waiakea. SS: Haunani Haasenritter, Hilo. LF: Chelsea Rice, Waiakea. RF: Stephanie Cabilin, Kealakehe. CF: Krystelle Garcia, Waiakea. C: Jessica Hanato, Konawaena. P: Elise DuPonte, Waiakea; Jessica Moniz, Hilo U: Natasha Kahana, Hilo.
Second Team -- 1B: Lynelle Paranada, Hilo. 2B: Laine Shikuma, Waiakea. 3B: Leimomi Tripp, Keaau; Lelia Kahuna, Kealakehe; Amanda Teruya, Hilo. SS: Hina Kimitete, Kealakehe. LF: Jerrika Lorenzo, Honokaa. RF: Kristine Helman, Keaau. CF: Jenette Ugalde, Hilo. C: Cicely Hoopai, Kohala; Tasha Fabinal, Kealakehe; Haunani Liftee, Honokaa. P: Kauanani Kahananui, Kealakehe. U: Jenna Yanagi, Waiakea.
Honorable Mention -- Kohala: Nicole Hayes. Keaau: Brynn Duyao, Deena Gushiken, Kuuipo Nihipali. Kealakehe: Jenna Power, Wendi Kaiawe, Kami Kajikawa, Stephanie Bailey. Honokaa: Jacqueline Miyasaki, Lynelle Tanoue, Kami Shigematsu, Lurline Lorenzo, Sharelle Paiva, Deynna Pahio. Waiakea: Nicole Riviera.
Player of the Year -- Courtney Kessell, Kailua OIA
Eastern Division
Coach of the Year -- Jon Berinobis, Castle
First Team -- C: Anuhea Young, Castle. P: Courtney Kessell, Kailua; Lia Pedrina, Castle. 1B: Tyleen Tausaga, Kaimuki. 2B: Puna Waiolama, Castle. 3B: Loke Lastimosa, Kailua. SS: Kalena Souza, Castle. OF: Danielle Young, Castle; Kapua Lee, Moanalua; Sachelle Featheran, Castle. U: Mika Tanji, Moanalua.
Second Team -- C: Kainoa Hughes, Kailua. P: Genoa Aiko, Roosevelt. 1B: Chante Mundon, Kailua. 2B: Shera Yamamoto, Kaiser. 3B: Joyce Matsukawa, Moanalua. SS: Amanda Shigetani, Moanalua. OF: Pikake Choy Foo, Kailua; Kelli Tanabe, Roosevelt; Kristen Tanabe, Roosevelt. U: Erin Tankaa, Kalani.
Honorable Mention -- Castle: Audrey Ako, Megan Cravalho, Stephanie Panee, Kristin Uza. Kahuku: Tomasina Aalona, Sasha Alo, Casey Kaiwa, Shawna Kanoa, Agesha Lightsy, Nicole Pouha. Kailua: Kamaile Hughes, Shyenne Hussey, Jaushlyn Mansinon, Tanisha Milca. Kalaheo: Kapu Chung, Shanelle Doane, Kaliko Kepa, Namiko Kepa, Jamie Napihaa, Denise Pearl, Ashley Terrill, Meghan Watson. Kaimuki: Punohu Aiko, Kelsi Campos, Kara Hayashida, Diana Malavong, Mele Matealona, Daisy Phanphongsa, Brandi Sasaki, Dalia Solia. Kaiser: Samantha Saffery, Mary Tualau, Whitney Yui. McKinley: Nicole Figueroa, Ciria Guisadio, Malina Okuda, Dawn Yara. Moanalua: Camille Peraro, Jasmine Shigematsu, Jazminn Yamamoto, Traci Yoshikawa. Roosevelt: Makana Frank, Meghann Paison.
Player of the Year -- Miki Asamura, Mililani
Western Division
Coach of the Year -- Mike Okimoto, Mililani
First Team -- C: Shaylla Moses, Waianae. P: Miki Asamura, Mililani; Tracy Kane, Waianae. 1B: Sandy Nakamura, Mililani. 2B: Chaz Ebalaroza, Kapolei. 3B: Celine Akana, Pearl City. SS: Charity Senas, Mililani. OF: Alicia Pada, Campbell; B.J. Shimamoto, Mililani; Malama Manuma, Kapolei. U: Kellie Nishikida, Pearl City.
Second Team -- C: Pikake Nutter-Gaudet, Leilehua. P: Tajia Acierto, Kapolei. 1B: Johnelle Ioane, Nanakuli. 2B: Kanani Numata, Pearl City. 3B: Austi Paris, Kapolei. SS: Valana Manuma-Aloy, Kapolei. OF: Megan Correa, Leilehua; Shannon Decorte, Waianae; Tiffany Anguay-Kaiau, Mililani. U: Krystal Plunkett, Pearl City.
Honorable Mention -- Aiea: Pukai Castillo, Noe Colburn, Kiani Poai, Kristen Watabu. Campbell: Kelly Abelianida, Rae Jonea Costa, Jalen Garcia, Jovanna Kealohi, Jenna Sylva. Kapolei: Kawai Naki, Jasmin Sanchez, Stephanie Sanchez, Jasmin Yoro. Leilehua: Jessica Battease, Shannon Guerrero, Nicole Ige, Jamie Kim, Ashley Phillips, Alexis San Nicolas, Tiana Vierra. Mililani: Erika Au, Christal Chong, Stefanie Lum, Casey Sugihara. Nanakuli: Jandie Higashi, Charloreal Kekuna, Sierra Nakea, Stephanie Pilialoha, Michelle Schnabel, Maydeen Tangaro, Chantel Tuiloma, Vernadine Vickers, Lehua Yap. Pearl City: Kristin Lai, Marci Lobendahn, Stacy Sakata, Shanna Vierra. Radford: Sesily Aracayos, Amanda Updike, Erica Weber. Waialua: Jaylyn Keao, Maile Manutai, Ashley Onizuka, Julia Yamanouchi. Waianae: Leilani Faavesi, Crystal Hanohano, Kalena Hanohano, Adeline Kahalekomo, Lovelyn Romero, Ashley Voss. Waipahu: Jenna Rosario.
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Courtney Kessell was nearly unhittable this season for Kailua.
Courtney Kessell used
her mastery in the pitcher’s
circle to lead Kailua
to the topBy Tim Crouse
tcrouse@starbulletin.comThe 2003 Star-Bulletin softball Player of the Year follows in the footsteps of past aces, like Baldwin's Shannon Tabion in 2001 and Kamehameha's Leo Sing Chow last year.
But unlike those pitchers, Kessell is only a sophomore.
Kessell, who turned 16 in January, was in top form from beginning (a no-hitter against Kalani in the season-opener) to end (shutting down Kamehameha in the state championship game).
Her 2002-03 season by the numbers:
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Courtney Kessell
Record: 13-0
Innings pitched: 81
Hits: 33
Runs: 3
ERA: 0.26
Strikeouts: 132
Base on balls: 11
Notable: Pitched 65 consecutive innings without allowing a run
"She's a true pitcher," Baldwin coach Ryan Souza said. "She understands how to work batters -- you can see it in her eyes.
"She can get over for a first strike or she can waste the first pitch. She uses her pitches well and changes speeds well."
Kessell's astounding numbers make it hard to believe she still has two more seasons to shine, and improve, at Kailua.
"I just plan to not drop down, but keep going up the ladder," Kessell said. "Me and my team can do a whole lot better. We'll try to be undefeated next year, and the next year."
In 81 innings, Kessell allowed just three runs for a 0.26 earned run average. Among her 13 outings was a perfect game against Lahainaluna in the state tournament and the no-hitter.
"Courtney was unbelievable," Iolani coach Chris Shimabukuro said. "She always threw a good riser, but this year she added an impressive drop. She spotted her pitches well and changed speeds."
Surfriders coach Bernard Victor said a pitcher can always get better from year to year, though.
"You can always improve on whatever you've got," he said. "Everybody likes to get a little better.
"She can pick up some speed (by getting stronger), improve more on her breaking pitches."
Despite her success this season, Kessell was still not completely satisfied with one particular statistic.
"One thing I (struggle with) is I give up too many walks," she said. "I really try to work on that."
Kessell must be aiming for perfection, since she walked just 11 batters -- to go along with 132 strikeouts. To break those numbers down, Kessell averaged 12 strikeouts for every walk and 1.6 strikeouts an inning.
"The key to her is she has good composure on the mound," Mililani coach Mike Okimoto said. "What she does the best is change speeds. (A pitch with) just a couple miles per hour off is hard to hit."
Kessell improved from last year, when she was 8-3, and if she makes as much improvement, could be untouchable when next season rolls around.
"On the mound she's real confident," Kaimuki coach Lene Tausaga said. "This year she was a real smart pitcher. Every batter that came up she knew what kind of pitch to throw them. She improved from last year."
Kessell plans to continue playing softball throughout the summer, with a trip planned for California to play club ball. She continues to run and lift three times a week, often working out with good friend and Kailua teammate Tanisha Milca.
And even though it's been a month since Kailua won the state title, Kessell is still reminded of her excellent season.
"When I go to school people are still congratulating me," she said. "It's amazing how people see you in a different way."
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