FLMORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Kamehameha shortstop Keoni Ruth, who almost missed the baseball season because of a shoulder injury, is the Star-Bulletin's player of the year.
The Kamehameha shortstop
rebounded from surgery to
lead the Warriors to the state title
Keoni Ruth didn't want to miss any part of his senior baseball season.
The Kamehameha shortstop not only didn't miss any time, he ended up leading the Warriors to the state championship.
He was a vital cog as a lead-off, make-it-happen batter, and he was an overwhelming choice for the Star-Bulletin baseball player of the year. The selections for the all-state team were made after consultation with coaches around the state.
Ruth hit over .500, despite having shoulder surgery in November after the Warriors' football season. He was a first-team all-state wide receiver as well.
"Defensively, he was fantastic all year," Kamehameha head coach Vern Ramie said. "He was also the guy that made our offense go. Whatever we needed, he was able to supply it."
Ramie didn't think Ruth would be able to return from surgery until midseason.
"Of course I was going to do whatever I could to play,"Ruth said. "When I found out Ineeded surgery, it really hurt because baseball is my passion. The doctor said Imight possibly miss the whole season."
After surgery by Dr. Darryl Kan, Ruth went to rehab with physical therapist Curt Watanabe in Pearl City.
"He did an awesome job and got me ready real fast,"Ruth said. "He helped me get my strength and range of motion back and Iappreciate that."
Ruth has been taking it as easy as possible since the end of baseball season. Earlier this month, he was drafted by the KansasCity Royals in the 17th round, and he'll be making a decision on whether to turn pro or play for the University of San Diego.
He'll never forget Kamehameha's run to the state championship.
"That whole experience on Maui was awesome,"Ruth said. "We went for one purpose only --to win it all --but we had some fun on the side. Me and J.P. (Kennedy, an all-state second-team pick) are pranksters. We went around, hiding our faces and going into teammates' rooms and pouring water on them. We were playing around and it took away from the seriousness of the tournament and relaxed us. Everybody had fun with it."
Ruth said teamwork was the main ingredient for the Warriors.
"We didn't have as much talent as in some of the recent past years,"he said. "There were some of our other teams loaded with talent. But comparing those years to now, we played as a team and everybody did what they had to do. Hitting-wise, people would get on for the next batter. And defensively we worked well together. There were no individuals."
Still, the prize wasn't easy to accomplish. Kennedy's unassisted double play at first base stalled a Kailua final-inning rally in the 4-2 title-game victory.
"That moment was just the topping on the cake,"Ruth said, "because we worked so hard this season as a team."
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Southpaw Kamai had
enough in the tank
Kamehameha left-handed pitcher Isaac Kamai did something no other pitcher in the state did this year.
He came through when it counted the most.
Kamai went the distance for a two-hitter in a 4-2 state championship game victory over Kailua, and that was the deciding factor in choosing him as the Star-Bulletin's pitcher of the year.
The southpaw was the ace of the Warriors' staff and was also instrumental in the team's roll to the Interscholastic League of Honolulu championship.
At the state tournament, Kamai had enough left to win the title game after coming through in relief for two saves in victories over Kauai and Waiakea.
"Isaac had a phenomenal year,"Kamehameha coach Vern Ramie said. "He pitched every tough game for us and we also brought him in for relief in very tough situations."
Teammate Keoni Ruth, the player of the year, said Kamai's composure and experience pushed Kamehameha through.
"Isaac has been a tough competitor since he was a little kid,"Ruth said. "Whenever he gets into a jam or is going through problems, he overcomes them. He doesn't put his head down and sulk."
KEN IGE /
Kamehameha's Isaac Kamai had two saves at the states before pitching a complete-game win in the final.
Roosevelt's Kaimi Mead and Waiakea's Myles Ioane also had legitimate chances to be selected as pitcher of the year.
Mead, a first-team choice, struck out 66 of the 106 batters he faced this year. He also had an ERAof 0.78 and fired a no-hitter against Kalani. In addition, he fanned 14 against Kalani, Kailua and Kalaheo in the regular season and struck out 13 against Kailua in a state tournament loss.
Ioane, a second-team pick, went 7-0 and didn't allow an earned run in the regular season for the Big Island champions.
Kailua pitcher Chris Mahelona also made the first team. He went 7-0 overall with an ERA of 1.43 while carrying the Surfriders to the Oahu Interscholastic Association title and a spot in the state title game.
Overall, five Kamehameha players made either the first or second teams. Aside from Ruth and Kamai, teammate Nick Freitas made the first team as an outfielder, while first baseman J.P.Kennedy Jr. and outfielder Kahekili Santos made the second team.
Ramie described Freitas, who is only a sophomore, as a "fierce competitor."
Iolani's Kala Ka'aihue, who batted over .400 and hit four home runs with 22 RBIs in 49 at-bats, was picked as the first-team catcher.
Most teams pitched around Ka'aihue, who was taken by the Boston Red Sox in the 22nd round of the First-Year Player Draft.
Calvin Uyechi, the OIAWest's Player of the Year, was selected as the first-team third baseman. He hit .522 and had a 2.24 ERA.
Taylor Watanabe, a steady two-way performer for Aiea all season, was an overwhelming choice at second base.
Roosevelt's Cameron Kimura and Waiakea's Shannon Camero join Frietas in the outfield.
Kimura hit for average and power and was a consistent pitcher for the Rough Riders. He shut down Hilo at the states.
Keven Whalen, the hard-hitting Mid-Pacific first baseman, barely got the nod over Kennedy as a first-teamer. Whalen was drafted in the 50th round by the Kansas City Royals.
Aiea first baseman Kepa Wong and Kauai pitcher/infielder Alec Reichle were chosen as utility players.
Wong got many key hits for Na Alii, while Reichle was the Red Raiders' ace who also came on strong at the plate.
ILHrunner-up Mid-Pacific placed three on the second team --defensive standout Troy Hanzawa at shortstop, hard-hitting Jonathan Hee at third base and clutch two-way outfielder Ryan Leong.
Kailua and OIA runner-up Aiea each got two second-team selections -- strong-armed catcher Aaron Asher and ace pitcher Blaze Moleta of Na Alii and smooth-fielding shortstop Michael Kealoha, and clutch-hitting infielder Ryan Rodrigues of the Surfriders.
Baldwin shortstop Gered Mochizuki, a second-team choice, was drafted by Kansas City in the 49th round.
[ ALL-STATE TEAMS ]
First Team
Position Player School Catcher Kala Ka'aihue Iolani First base Keven Whalen Mid-Pacific Second base Taylor Watanabe Aiea Third base Calvin Uyechi Waianae Shortstop Keoni Ruth Kamehameha Outfield Shannon Camero Waiakea Outfield Cameron Kimura Roosevelt Outfield Nick Freitas Kamehameha Pitcher Kaimi Mead Roosevelt Pitcher Isaac Kamai Kamehameha Pitcher Chris Mahelona Kailua Utility Alec Reichle Kauai Utility Kepa Wong Aiea Second Team
Position Player School Catcher Aaron Asher Aiea First base J.P.Kennedy Jr. Kamehameha Middle infield Michael Kealoha Kailua Third base Jonathan Hee Mid-Pacific Shortstop Gered Mochizuki Baldwin Outfield Chris Balatico Mililani Outfield Ryan Leong Mid-Pacific Outfield Kahekili Santos Kamehameha Pitcher Tristan Bailey Campbell Pitcher Myles Ioane Waiakea Pitcher Blaze Moleta Aiea Utility Troy Hanzawa Mid-Pacific Utility Ryan Rodrigues Kailua Special Honors
Coach of the year: Vern Ramie, Kamehameha
Player of the year: Keoni Ruth, Kamehameha
Pitcher of the year: Isaac Kamai, Kamehameha
Honorable Mention
Catcher: Jacob Myking, Kalaheo; Brett Tanigawa, Moanalua; Baba Merino, Kamehameha; Sean Medeiros, Kailua; Avery Kagawa, Waiakea; Colby Holt, Pac-Five; Meade Tabata, Baldwin.
First base:Sean Fernandez, Kalaheo; Kyle Neuberger, Kapaa; Ronnie Carvalho, Hilo.
Second base:Shaun Sasaki, Kailua; Randy Rundgren, Mid-Pacific; Dayne Ogawa, Kamehameha; Shevis Shima, Baldwin.
Third base: Joseph Kala, Maui; Kirby Yates, Kauai; Ryson Mauricio, Kamehameha; Chester Wilson, Saint Louis; Matt Patterson, Waiakea; Cody Racoma, Kalaheo.
Shortstop:Spencer Omalza, Leilehua; Ivan Fujii, Roosevelt; Jake Oketani, Kauai; Jonny Sakurai, Aiea; Owen Otsuka, Waiakea; Milton Loo, Molokai.
Outfield:Joshua Danz, Roosevelt; Matt Bell, Farrington; Bill Tennant, Campbell; Cody Teixeira-Vickery, Kailua; Kyle Juliano, Kahuku; Dylan Libadisos, Aiea; Mark Veneri, Punahou; Kekoa Sua, Kailua; JJEno, Baldwin; Ryan Leong, Mid-Pacific; Ryan Asato, Mid-Pacific.
Utility: Jeremy Kaaukai, Hilo; Ryan Sasaki, Saint Louis; Matt Haasenritter, Hilo; Matt Morgado, Kamehameha; Owen Simmons, Pac-Five, Edwin Apostol II, Saint Louis; Grant Yamaguchi, Mid-Pacific.
Pitcher:Anthony Ganigan, Pearl City; Ryan Basco, Leilehua; Randy Kitagawa, Kalani; Harrison Kuroda, Mid-Pacific; Robert George Jr., Saint Louis; Vance Otake, Maui; Kanekoa Texeira, Kamehameha.
Star-Bulletin teams were chosen after consultation with coaches from around the state.
[ LEAGUE ALL-STARS ] Oahu Interscholastic League
Player of the Year -- Calvin Uyechi, Waianae.
Western Division
Coach of the Year -- Ryan Kato, Aiea.
First team --C: Aaron Asher, Aiea. 1B: Kepa Wong, Aiea. 2B: Taylor Watanabe, Aiea. 3B: Calvin Uyechi, Waianae. SS: Spencer Omalza, Leilehua. OF: Chris Balatico, Mililani; Bill Tennant, Campbell; Chase Kaiuwailani, Aiea. P: Tristan Bailey, Campbell; Blaze Moleta, Aiea. DH: Ikaika Asinsin, Nanakuli. U: Chevy Teves, Waianae.
Second team --C: Drake Kula, Kapolei. 1B: Ren Acosta, Pearl City. 2B: Daylen Hale, Leilehua. 3B: Jordan Shibata, Aiea. SS: Chad Itokazu, Pearl City. OF: Edward Garma, Leilehua; Chad Rodrigues, Waianae; Kevin Kauweloa, Waianae. P: Anthony Ganigan, Pearl City; Ryan Basco, Leilehua. DH: Lance Powell, Aiea. U: Jaryd Kiyabu, Waipahu.
Honorable mention --Aiea: Dustin Grace, Blake Lamug, Dylan Libadisos, Justin Nii, Jonny Sakurai, Bryson Tajiri, Nelson Hao. Campbell: Jason Scholl, James Bannister, Prentiss Anderson, Jonah Canionero, Ian Pantorilla, Victor Cachuela. Kapolei: Colin Dumlao, Bryan Padayao, Bradley Padayao, Valana Aloy-Manuma, Jonathan Kang, Daryl Figueroa, Howard Vinhasa. Leilehua: Demitrius Washington, Kelsey Yoshikami, Ricky Paderes, Patrick San Nicholas. Mililani: Dustin Nuibe, Troy Collado, Chaz Miyashiro, Troy Flores, Dane Mizusawa, Kyle Nakamoto, Kamaka Crabbe, Ian Koki. Nanakuli: Mario Bartholomew. Pearl City: Corey Giammalvo, Michael Higa, Reece Hirano, Nolan Kugiya, Scott Yasumoto, Blane Hironaga. Radford: Matthew Ryan, Russell Baptiste, Rolly Saniatan, Andrew Atmospera. Waipahu: John Fuuatea, Shane Jelf, Joshua Pastor, Travis Atualeveo, Ross Garabiles. Waialua: John Keen, Gavin Nakamura, Casey Onizuka, Johnathan Carrano, Brett Guerin, Johnathan Keao. Waianae: Keone Taaca, Clayton Uyechi, Darryl Ohelo, Dillon Guzman, Allen Holt.
Oahu Interscholastic League
Player of the Year -- Michael Kealoha, Kailua and Kaimi Mead, Roosevelt.
Eastern Division
Coach of the Year -- Corey Ishigo, Kailua.
First team -- C: Jacob Myking, Kalaheo. 1B: Ryan Rodrigues, Kailua. 2B: Shaun Sasaki, Kailua. 3B: Noah Kon, Castle. SS: Michael Kealoha, Kailua. OF: Kyle Juliano, Kahuku; Matt Bell, Farrington; Landon Kaaua, Kaiser. P: Christopher Mahelona, Kailua; Kaimi Mead, Roosevelt. DH: Kekoa Sua, Kailua. U: Cameron Kimura, Roosevelt.
Second team -- C: Brett Tanigawa, Moanalua. 1B: Len Shimabuku, Kalani. 2b: Cory Supranovich, Kahuku. 3B: Joseph Gabrillo, Farrington. SS: Ivan Fujii, Roosevelt. OF: Glenn Taijeron, Moanalua; Scott Shinsato, Castle; Joshua Danz, Roosevelt. P: Randy Kitagawa, Kalani; Melvin Silva, Kahuku. DH: Andrew Blomberg, Moanalua. U: Chessis Moody, Kalani.
Honorable mention -- Castle: Darin Hamada, Travis Paaga, Charles Teixeira, David Mohika, Jeff Syrop, Daniel Chinen, Ikaika Reppuhn, Stephen Koki, Lewis Watson. Farrington: Davin Alexander, Joshua Badua, Emman Bihag, Royce Machado, Alex Mendoza, Nixon Gattu. Kahuku: Josh Bohntet, Alex Ponciano, Aaron Manutai, Kaipo Souza, Brent Au, Mark Kunz. Kailua: Koo Kamalamalama, Bronson Ho, Cody Teixeira-Vickery, Sean Medeiros, Derek Mailau, Hoo Obed, Bronson Kamaka. Kaimuki: Desmond Johnston, Kaimana Kaluna, Steven Matsunaga, Tony Mitani, Kaeo Neal, Tyson Seto-Mook, John-Paul Soon, Jay Tokuuke, Reid Yamane. Kaiser: Neal Asato, Colby Ho, Jarryd Maeda, Michael Heu, Sean Samson, Nao Fukuzawa, Niles Nakama. Kalaheo: Kurt Okumura, Ransen Kaanoi, Cody Racoma, Aren Viveiros, Sean Fernandez. Kalani: Reid Pamatigan, Shannon Chung, Asher Tamanaha. McKinley: Jarren Hirasaki, Kai Kaino. Moanalua: Chance Daskauskas, Dayne Dela Cruz, Corey Kanetake, Peter Arakawa, Donovan Souza. Roosevelt: Kevin Fujii, Jared Furtado, Derek Shigano, Brandon Morimoto, Ransen Tamai, Ricky Eusebio, Daniel Siracusa.
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Player of the Year -- Keoni Ruth, Kamehameha.
Coach of the Year -- Vern Ramie, Kamehameha.
First team -- C: Kala Ka'aihue, Iolani. 1B: Keven Whalen, Mid-Pacific. 2B:Michael Lam, Punahou. 3B: Jonathan Hee, Mid-Pacific. SS: Keoni Ruth, Kamehameha. OF:Nick Freitas, Kamehameha; Ryan Leong, Mid-Pacific; Mark Veneri, Punahou. P:Isaac Kamai, Kamehameha; Harrison Kuroda, Mid-Pacific. U: Grant Yamaguchi, Mid-Pacific. DH: Matthew Morgado, Kamehameha.
Second team -- C:Colby Holt, Pac-Five. 1B: J.P. Kennedy Jr., Kamehameha. 2B: Randy Rundgren, Mid-Pacific. 3B: Ryson Mauricio, Kamehameha. SS: Troy Hanzawa, Mid-Pacific. OF: Kahekili Santos, Kamehameha; Shawn Agustin, Iolani; Ryan Asato, Mid-Pacific. P: Jared Pate, Punahou; Kanekoa Texeira, Kamehameha. U: Owen Simmons, Pac-Five. DH: Marc Inamasu, Mid-Pacific.
Honorable mention --Kamehameha: Baba Merino, Dayne Ogawa, Travis Young. Iolani: Kahiwa Letman, Kelly Teramoto, Galen Komo, Reid Saito, Travis Nishioka, Wally Marciel, Sean Freas, Eric Muraoka, Dustin Goto, Bert Mitsunaga. Pac-Five: Jacob Mellor, Jeris Nakamasu, Paul Nishimura, Ryan Urabe, Tyler Inouye, Sam Naone, Chris Beebe, Mano Ho'okano, Keoni Wasano. Damien: Jason Luke, Justin Cole, Chase Masuda, Raymond Alapai, Nick Zieser, Elijah Souza. Maryknoll: Ryan Matsumoto, Greg Aquino, Kody Seminara, Kawika Calizar, Peter Kirst, Ian Yamashita. Punahou: Kasey Ko, Landon Nakata, Kyle Kabei. Saint Louis: Jowen Murray-Thornton, Chester Wilson, John Gentry, Edwin Apostol II, Daniel Lee, Travis Gonzaga, Shane Butcher, Robert George Jr., Marc Nobriga, Aaron Moises, Sheldon Santiago, Ryan Sasaki. Mid-Pacific: Kip Masuda, Jeff Mizokawa.
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Player of the Year -- Myles Ioane, Waiakea.
Coach of the Year --Thomas Correa, Waiakea.
First team -- C:Avery Kagawa, Waiakea. 1B:Ronnie Carvalho, Hilo. 2B:David Rodrigues, Waiakea. 3B:Jaryd Taise, Hilo. SS:Owen Otsuka, Waiakea. OF:Shannon Camero, Waiakea; Kulea Bondallian, Waiakea; Tyrone Ferreira, Keaau. P:Jeremy Kaaukai; Myles Ioane, Waiakea. U:Matthew Haasenritter, Hilo.
Second team --C:Keola Holt-Mizuguchi, Hilo. 1B:Mason Suga, Waiakea. 2B:Elton Haina-Sesson, Konawaena. 3B:Matt Peterson, Waiakea. SS: Sky Valenzuela, Konawaena. OF:Mark Gonsalves, Pahoa; Kinau Puhi, Honokaa; Ikaika Reveira, Keaau. P:Tyler Borge, Pahoa; Mana Bailado, Honokaa. U:Kekai Nakamura, Kohala.
Honorable mention --Honokaa:Josh Hart, Marcus Martin, Kohl Sylva. Kau:Kevey Silva. Keaau:Kiekie Awong, Kai Calip, KCCalip, Kenworth Meyers. Kealakehe:Butch Chatfield, Chris Choy. Kohala:Kaanoi Carvalho, Shannon Cazimero, Cameron Kawai. Konawaena:Ricky Bailey, Keane Ikeda, Erik Perez. Pahoa:Rendell Naiga, Jaemar Sibucao. St. Joseph:Robert Correa-Midel, Alex Ignacio. Waiakea:Cheyenne Hirota, Cody Urasaki.
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Player of the Year -- Alec Reichle, Kauai.
Coach of the Year --Henry Ibia Jr., Kauai.
First team --C:Daryl Higashi, Kauai. 1B:Kyle Neuberger, Kapaa. 2B:Isaac Castillo, Waimea. 3B:Kirby Yates, Kauai. SS:Jake Oketani, Kauai. OF:Rayson Cacal, Waimea; Shawn Ogata, Kauai; Sam Dias, Kauai. P: Alec Reichle, Kauai. U:Dustin Mundon, Kapaa.
Maui Interscholastic League
Selections not available.
