CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM BRUCE OMORI / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-BULLETIN GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM ILLUSTRATION BY KIP AOKI / KAOKI@STARBULLETIN.COM Mid-Pacific's Aaron Fujiki, Kamehameha-Hawaii's Kolten Wong and Josh Saio of Saint Louis were the leading vote-getters on this year's All-State baseball team.

Diamonds in the rough

Fujiki, Wong and Saio top the 2008 Star-Bulletin All-State baseball team

What normally is an honor for two players -- one on the mound and another on the field -- became awards for three gems this season.

Eric Kadooka Punahou Coach of the Year Guided Buffanblu to a fifth state title in a row, winning all eight games in the ILH and state tournaments

Fujiki, who repeated as a first-team selection, was an elite catcher and consummate leader. He threw out 12 of 13 runners -- 92 percent of would-be base thieves -- and called every pitch for a staff that went 32-7.

At the plate, he batted .362 with 24 RBIs, had an on-base percentage of .482 and homered three times.

"We live by the quote, 'Do the right thing when no one's watching,' " Fujiki said, noting coach Dunn Muramaru's credo. "Everyone can do stuff when Dunn's around, but he puts up a (daily) schedule for us. We have to do it every day or practice is late."

Wong was nothing short of spectacular. The senior catcher had a .661 batting average, with nine doubles, three triples and three homers in 56 at-bats (1.089 slugging average). He also had a keen eye at the plate with 15 walks for a .732 on-base percentage.

The fleet-footed Wong, who was one of the top running backs in the state, stole 24 bases in 25 attempts. He will likely play middle infield or center field at the University of Hawaii.

"Probably the most impressive thing is his drive to succeed. I don't think people know how hard he works to improve," Warriors coach Andy Correa said. "I haven't seen a more athletic catcher in 18 years. He was always prepared and well-rested to play, and he played his best in the biggest games."

Saio often had hitters in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu baffled. The senior southpaw's mix of off-speed pitches and a good fastball netted 54 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings. Perhaps more importantly, Saio was durable while aces from other powerhouse teams struggled with injuries late in the season.

Saio was heal-thy from start to finish and had an 8-2 mark with a 3.66 ERA as the Crusaders reached the state Division I final.

"He battles all the time, never gives in," Muramaru said. "He's a smart pitcher and stays ahead. Even when he doesn't have his good stuff, he finds a way to get you out."

Punahou coach Eric Kadooka outpointed Saint Louis' Duane Fraticelli for Coach of the Year honors. Punahou's fifth state-championship season in a row may have been the most difficult for Kadooka and staff. An 8-5-1 regular season, good for third in the ILH, drew the ire of critics. However, Punahou righted the ship and went 5-0 in the ILH postseason to win the league crown, then swept through the state tourney.

Easton Torigoe Mid-Pacific The first baseman hit .413 with a slugging pct. of .640, 19 RBIs and 15 runs scored   Russell Doi Mid-Pacific The second baseman hit .414, on-base .544 with 21 runs and 16 RBIs. Walked 17 times.   Blake Amaral Kamehameha- Hawaii The third baseman hit .492, drove in 20 runs, slugged .803 and had an OBP of .557.   Danny Higa Saint Louis The shortstop hit .373 with 25 RBIs and 22 runs scored. Also anchored the Saint Louis infield   Reece Kiriu Punahou The utility man went 3-1 with two saves, including title-game shutout of Saint Louis. Hit .400 with 17 RBIs.   Matt Suiter Punahou The outfielder hit .476, on-base pct. of .641 with 28 runs scored to lead the Buffanblu   Tamatoa DeMello Saint Louis Centerfielder hit .375, scored 26 runs and had tremendous range in center field.   Marcus Kimura Saint Louis The outfielder hit .453 with 22 RBIs and 24 runs. Went 6-for-9 at the state tourney with four RBIs   Matt McDaniel Mid-Pacific Right-hander was 5-1 with 1.11 ERA, 41 K's in 44 innings. He walked only 16 batters   Jordan Buster Kauai 6-0 with 0.19 ERA, 36 K's in 36 innings. Threw a 3-hitter as Kauai beat St. Anthony 1-0 in the Division II final.