At first glance, Maiki Viela was an efficient distributor.

Coming up through the Menehune youth basketball program of West Maui, she was a multi-sport standout, but basketball was her true love.

Her game evolved at the high school level, where Lahainaluna was a perennial state-title contender. Coming into her junior season, the shifty point guard showed early signs of progress. At Na Menehune Preseason Peek, a tourney at Moanalua, she was relentless and nearly unstoppable going to her off (left) hand for drives and pull-up jumpers. It was another new weapon for Viela, already blessed with an explosive first step, a big motor on both ends of the floor and superior court vision.

Viela emerged prominently in the postseason, scoring 23 points in a state quarterfinal win over OIA runner-up Roosevelt. She shot lights-out from the arc (3-for-4) and added four assists, four steals and only two turnovers.

One night later, she went 16-for-18 at the foul line and finished with 29 points, four boards, three assists and four steals in a semifinal victory over Punahou.

In the final against Konawaena, Viela set the table as teammate Milika Taufa erupted for 26 points. Viela had nine points and kept the Lady Lunas composed as they produced a second-half comeback win over the defending champs.

It was the first state basketball championship in school history.

Coaches and media selected Viela as player of the year in the Star-Bulletin All-State Fab 15.

“;It's an honor to gain that award with all the great players out there. It's crazy,”; she said last night from Virginia, where she played in the Boo Williams Invitational with Team Taurasi, a Nike-sponsored team that is part of the California Storm.

Taufa was a close second in the voting. Konawaena point guard Dawnyelle Awa finished third, Waiakea guard Kamie Imai was fourth and Brydgette Tatupu-Leopoldo of Farrington was fifth.

“;It's good recognition for our two girls to be the top vote-getters. That's a sign of respect,”; Lahainaluna coach Todd Rickard said. “;It's recognition for our league.”;

Viela played soccer, baseball and softball at a young age.

“;She was a natural,”; Rickard said. “;My son (T.J.) played with her from when they were 5, 6 years old. I could tell she would be a special player if she stayed with basketball. She started focusing on basketball more.”;

Viela's value went beyond statistics.

Rickard, a longtime coach at the age-group and prep levels, was voted coach of the year.

Viela was going to be a returnee to Team Aloha, the traveling all-star team playing this weekend in Arizona, but was tabbed by Team Taurasi of the Nike-sponsored California Storm. She's playing with them in the Boo Williams Invitational in Virginia this weekend.

She is the first local player to suit up with the Storm since Punahou's Shawna-Lei Kuehu, who now plays for UH.