Akana heads to Siena

Star-Bulletin All-State Fab 15 outside hitter Taylor Akana has given Siena College (N.Y.) an oral commitment to play volleyball.

The 5-foot-9 Akana was an all-around talent at Kamehameha, which won its fifth state crown in a row last month. She was second in the coaches and media voting for All-State selections.

Siena is in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Former Kamehameha libero Lesli Akeo and outgoing captain Kaui Robello (Punahou) were on last year's MAAC runner-up squad.

Utah State nabs more local talent

The gridiron pipeline from the islands to the state of Utah has always been beneficial to BYU, Utah and even Weber State.

Now, it's Utah State that's making inroads. The Aggies have secured an oral commitment from King Kekaulike defensive lineman Elvis Matagi, according to Doris Sullivan, executive director of Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance.

Kamehameha safety Wave Ryder, who previously gave an oral commitment to the Aggies.

Ryder lined up as a wide receiver until his senior year. After making the switch, the 6-foot-2, 185-pounder caught a lot of eyes — and an interception in the Warriors' state championship victory.

Defensive end Mika Nickel (Hawaii Prep) and defensive tackle Kamaloni Vainikolo (Maui, El Camino Junior College) are now on the Aggies' roster.