Awa: State's top defender

Shy as can be off the court, Dawnyelle Awa has been a lockdown stopper on the hardwood ever since she put on the sneakers.

Konawaena's smooth point guard was voted the top defensive player in the Star-Bulletin Girls Basketball All-State voting. Awa, who grew to 5-foot-9 before her sophomore season, used her long arms, quickness and superior anticipation to shine in the Wildcats' high-pressure defensive attack.

Awa, who collected 17 steals in three state-tournament games, was joined on the all-defensive team by Molokai center Kalei Adolpho (18 rebounds, four blocks per game at the state tourney), Lahainaluna's Milika Taufa and Punahou's Jennifer Ching and Mysha Sataraka.

Strong effort by Team Aloha

Team Aloha won its first three games before falling to Oregon Elite, 53-52, in the semifinals of the 17-under all-star division of the Arizona Elite Girls Basketball Tournament last weekend.

The all-star squad won its opener on Friday against Triple Threat (Los Angeles), 42-17, behind Lia Galdeira's nine points.

Team Aloha topped the Arizona Sting 47-27 on Saturday behind Anuhea Wall's 11 points. The team followed that with a 52-27 win over Seattle Yes with Brydgette Tatupu-Leopoldo scoring 13 points.

Tatupu-Leopoldo had 13 again in the narrow loss to Oregon Elite.

The team was guided by Fran Villarmia-Kahawai, with Mayor Mufi Hannemann as her assistant.