Honolulu Star-Advertiser Player of the Year: Chanelle Molina, Konawaena
Girls Basketball
All-State Fab 15
2014-15
Coach of the Year: Bobbie Awa, Konawaena
Fab 15
Rank Name School Pos. Ht. Yr.
1. Chanelle Molina Konawaena G/F 5-8 Jr.
2. Keala Quinlan Roosevelt F 6-1 Jr.
3. Fa-Ko Fiemea Hafoka Lahainaluna G 5-7 Jr.
4. Celena Jane Molina Konawaena F 5-9 So.
5. Ihi Victor Konawaena F 5-10 Jr.
6. Cameron Fernandez Lahainaluna G/F 5-10 Jr.
7. Maegen Martin Maryknoll F/C 5-10 Sr.
8. Patria Vaimaona Kailua F/C 5-8 Sr.
9. Keleah-Aiko Koloi Lahainaluna F/C 6-1 Jr.
10. Jasmine Moody Radford F/C 6-1 Sr.
11. Tyra Moe Punahou F/C 6-1 Jr.
12. Alexis Pana Hilo G/F 5-10 Jr.
13. Cherilyn Molina Konawaena G 5-4 Fr.
14. Jerri Maluyo Leilehua G 5-5 Sr.
15. Starr Rivera Roosevelt G 5-4 Sr.
Honorable mention
Matafolau Hafoka, Lahainaluna
Va‘e Malufau, Punahou
Shalyn Guthier, Hilo
Shantel Appleby, Mililani
Alexis Delovio, Maryknoll
Chailey Cabalis, Hilo
Cami Aguinaldo, ‘Iolani
Elle Uyeda, Punahou
Kizzah Maltezo, Honokaa
Lindsay Bates, Konawaena
Eliyah Fernandez, Honokaa
Tara Takata, Kailua
Shayla Ignacio, Honkoaa
Riana Arima, KS-Hawaii
Molimau Heimuli, Farrington
Aloha Salem, Konawaena
Cierra O’Brien, Nanakuli
Kamaile Kandiah, Punahou
Brooke Ho, Kaiser
Gabrielle Makamae, KS-Hawaii
Mikiala Maio, Kamehameha
Shantel Aleki, Kamehameha
Stephanie Dang, Hawaii Baptist
Victoria Kintz, Kaimuki
Faith Loeak, Hilo
Tau Williams, Kailua
Lacey Satele, St. Francis
Markayisha Masani, University
Rose Shimaoka, Kaiser
Tywanna Abbott, Leilehua
CAPSULES
GIRLS
Fab 15
1. Chanelle Molina Konawaena G/F 5-8 Jr.
Voted by coaches and media to the All-Defense first team, collecting the most votes.
2. Keala Quinlan Roosevelt F 6-1 Jr.
> Led Roosevelt in scoring (15 ppg) en route to the OIA championship. At the state tourney, she averaged 17 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. Voted to the All-Defense second team.
3. Fa-Ko Fiemea Hafoka Lahainaluna G 5-7 Jr.
> Tough-nosed PG scored 16 ppg to lead the Lady Lunas to the MIL crown and a run to the sate final. Averaged 15 points and 3.3 steals per game at the state tourney. Voted to the All-Defense first team.
4. Celena Jane Molina Konawaena F 5-9 So.
> She outplayed — and out-jumped — low posts as tall as 6-4 from Riverdale Baptist (Md.) to Lahainaluna. Molina scored 12 points per game, but was also valuable as a key passer in the Wildcats’ offense. Voted to the All-Defense first team, second in voting only to her older sister, Chanelle.
5. Ihi Victor Konawaena F 5-10 Jr.
> Her presence in the lineup gave the small Wildcats a key defender and transition scorer (11 ppg). She scored 14 points in the state final against Lahainaluna.
6. Cameron Fernandez Lahainaluna G/F 5-10 Jr.
> Fernandez’s ability to slash to the basket made her one of the most aggressive scorers in the state (17 ppg) and complemented her team’s wealth of post and perimeter scorers. Voted to the All-Defense second team.
7. Maegen Martin Maryknoll F/C 5-10 Sr.
> Played strong at the state tourney with 21 points, 11 boards against Hilo, and 11 points, seven rebounds against Lahainaluna, and 13 points, eight boards against OIA champion Roosevelt. Averaged 11 points per game for the ILH champs. Voted to the All-Defense third team.
8. Patria Vaimaona Kailua F/C 5-8 Sr.
> Scored 20 ppg for the Surfriders. At the state tourney, she had 15 points, 10 rebounds against Punahou, and 23 points, 10 boards against Leilehua.
9. Keleah-Aiko Koloi Lahainaluna F/C 6-1 Jr.
> She scored 14 ppg, but was also a superb rebounder through the MIL season and state tourney. She grabbed 17 boards against Radford and 21 caroms against ILH champion Maryknoll, and had 11 points, seven boards against Konawaena. Voted to the All-Defense third team.
10. Jasmine Moody Radford F/C 6-1 Sr.
> The BYU-bound lefty had 14 points, seven boards, four steals against Mililani at the state tourney. She added 10 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks against Lahainaluna, and 24 points, 17 caroms against Hilo. Voted to the All-Defense first team.
11. Tyra Moe Punahou F/C 6-1 Jr.
> The versatile junior averaged 10 ppg during ILH play, living in the post as the Buffanblu paired her with Va‘e Malufau for a twin-towers effect. Some of that was bottled up by smart defenses, though. Moe rebounds well, runs the floor and has 3-point range. Voted to the All-Defense second team.
12. Alexis Pana Hilo G/F 5-10 Jr.
> Outstanding defender who can cover any position, a third-team All-Defense pick by coaches and media. Averaged 13 ppg in BIIF play. Could blossom into a 20-ppg scorer. Voted to the All-Defense third team.
13. Cherilyn Molina Konawaena G 5-4 Fr.
> A defensive whiz and long-range shooter, she asserted herself well in her first season of varsity basketball. A lot of hyperbole preceded her rise, but she surpassed all expectations as a premier point guard. She averaged 17 ppg in BIIF play and was a defensive key during the Wildcats’ state-title run. Voted by coaches and media to the All-Defense third team.
14. Jerri Maluyo Leilehua G 5-5 Sr.
> Averaged 17 ppg in league play, carrying the Mules during a stretch late in the season with games of 20 points (Pearl City), 25 (Campbell), 23 (Waipahu), 27 (Moanalua) and 24 (Roosevelt). Quick first step on the drive with deep 3-point range. Struggled offensively at the state tourney as defenses game planned for her, but still had 8 points and five steals per game.
15. Starr Rivera Roosevelt G 5-4 Sr.
> A jump shooter with excellent passing skills in halfcourt sets. Averaged nearly 18 ppg in OIA play. Voted to the All-Defense second team.
ALL-DEFENSE
First Team
Chanelle Molina, Konawaena
Celena Jane Molina, Konawaena
Fiemea Hafoka, Lahainaluna
Jasmine Moody, Radford
Sharlei Graham-Bernisto, Hilo
Second Team
Keala Quinlan, Roosevelt
Cameron Fernandez, Lahainaluna
Tyra Moe, Punahou
Starr Rivera, Roosevelt
Elle Uyeda, Punahou
Third Team
Cherilyn Molina, Konawaena
Alexis Pana, Hilo
Va‘e Malufau, Punahou
Keleah-Aiko Koloi, Lahainaluna
Maegen Martin, Maryknoll
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
1. Celena Jane Molina, Konawaena
2. Ihi Victor, Konawaena
3. Jerri Maluyo, Leilehua
4. Tywanna Abbott, Leilehua
5. Kyle Johnson, Aiea
6. Keala Quinlan, Roosevelt
COACH OF THE YEAR
1. Bobbie Awa, Konawaena
2. Todd Rickard, Lahainaluna
3. Daphne Honma, Honokaa
4. Patrick Basilio, Mililani
5. Ben Pana, Hilo
6. Hinano Higa, Roosevelt
7. Kevin Velasco, Punahou
8t. Charles Chong, Radford
8t. Chico Furtado, Maryknoll
10. Weston Willard, KS-Hawaii
BEST SPORTSMANSHIP (TEAM)
1. Hawaii Baptist
2. Konawaena
3t. Aiea
3t. ‘Iolani
3t. Honokaa
6t. Kalani
6t. KS-Hawaii
6t. McKinley
BEST SPORTSMANSHIP (FANS)
1t. Kalaheo
1t. Kalani
1t. Konawaena
4t. Hawaii Baptist
4t. Honokaa
6t. Aiea
6t. Hilo
TOUGHEST GYM
1. Honokaa
2. Kohala
3. Campbell
4. Kaiser
5t. Nanakuli
5t. Pahoa
BEST CONCESSION STAND
1. Moanalua
2. Radford
3t. Aiea
3t. Kaiser
5. Pahoa
6t. Honokaa
6t. McKinley
8t. Kaimuki
8t. Kalani
8t. Konawaena
2015-16 PRESEASON TOP 4
Division I
1. Konaweana
2. Lahainaluna
3. Punahou
4. Hilo
Also receiving votes: Maryknolll
Division II
1. Honokaa
2t. Hawaii Baptist
2t. KS-Hawaii
4. Kaimuki
Also receiving votes: University.
Was this an all-state team or an all-state tournament team. Celena Molina and Ihi Victor rated too high.
Can’t speak for the voters, but I had a ballot and I saw Celena Jane Molina play an outstanding three nights at the ‘Iolani Classic against nationally ranked teams.
As I was saying, was this an all-state team or a All Iolani classic tournament team. Just because other players didn’t get the chance to “prove” themselves against nationally ranked teams in a PRESEASON tournament doesn’t mean you should dock them. I’d take Maegen Martin and Cameron Fernandez just to name a few over Celena Molina. Ihi Victor didn’t even play in the Iolani classic.
Just being realistic & Not sure why both Celena Jane & Ihi would be voted lower knowing the fact that they helped win another state title for Konawaena & being Nationally ranked #20 speaks for itself, Both ladies performed quiet & did it very well.
It’s true, every voter has his or her opinion, and the voting process is far from a science for each participant. I really liked Cameron Fernandez from the time I saw Lahainaluna beat Punahou in the Ted Fukushima Invitational. And I really like Maegen Martin’s performance this season. She did so many different things for a young Maryknoll team.
As for the boys, there were teams like Campbell and Kaiser that had big men who drew more attention and helped open the lanes for teammates. (Same with some of the girls teams.) I thought Lamart Dudley had a superb final three weeks, really did yeoman’s work in the trenches and that made a big difference. And David Marrero was a huge part of that stifling defense. Liked him from preseason on.
As for the ‘Iolani Classic, Realist, you seem to discount what happened there. I don’t and, apparently, the voters don’t either. It’s a plus for all local teams to play nationally-ranked competition. Shouldn’t be held against them at all. It’s not a minus for the teams that didn’t get a chance, either. It is what it is. Not easy for any voter to whittle down a talented group down to 15 players. It seems your list would be pro-ILH, which is fine, too.
You may insist that efficiency matters, but your anti-Victor and anti-Celena Jane Molina stance says otherwise. My view is that their defense and transition speed — categories that don’t show up directly in statistics — were outstanding. Two big reasons why Konawaena didn’t have to double team on the low post much, if at all, during the state championships. Punahou’s twin towers were tough on just about every team, but the Buffanblu scored just 37 points against Konawaena. Same with Lahainaluna’s talented posts, and the Lady Lunas managed a season-low 41 points in the title game against the Wildcats.
They play great team defense, but if you minimize what Konawaena’s post defenders did, then you’re not factoring their efficiency and effectiveness into the equation at all.
They are ranked 20th in the nation for several reasons. It could easily be argued that these two wing/post players could’ve been voted higher. Same with every player who was considered for the Fab 15 by voters.
Although Ihi victor didnt play in the iolani classic she proved that she can play in the state tournament and make an impact to the konawaena squad, but can you imagine if she had been playing in the Iolani Classic of how further Konawaena would have gone. Also some players from Iolani or Roosevelt had a chance to prove themselves in the Classic, but yet they were down by 30+ points. As for Realists just be happy for all the players, if you want to see why Celena Jane is ranked high than go to.Youtube & watch her play against nationally ranked teams such as Miramonte & Riversdale & you will definitely see why, You can also watch Ihi & Celena on youtube playing during their incredible state run against the best teams in states. Chanelle Molina is Superb, but one person cant win by themselves, it takes teamwork, dedication, & talent to Win. CONGRATULATIONS to ALL
I’m not pro or anti anybody. All I was trying to say is Celena Molina and Ihi Victor are rated too high. Not that they aren’t deserving, I’d just rate a handful of players over them. With the way the Fab 15 is set up with individuals ranks 1-15, any sports fan will look at that and think off a big board for a NBA/NFL draft. If we were drafting players for an all-star team, would you take the mentioned Konawaena players that high? Like I was saying earlier, Maegen Martin and Cameron Fernandez are some players who’d I take just to name a few. Maegen was the only big for a team that went undefeated in the ILH regular season and Cameron is probably the Kevin Durant to Chanelle Molina’s Lebron James, both small forwards/wings. I thought Alexis Pana was also solid. You may think I’m anti-Kona but I actually think the younger Molina is the 2nd best player on the team. In case no one noticed, but she had 19 and 20 point games against Hilo, a team that can potentially win any league title just as long as Kona’s not in it. Paul you keep mentioning the voters and it’s a shame that state tournament and preseason performances get remembered more than body of season work.
Realist your still repeating everything you previously said so you are definitely anti-Ihi and anti-Celena. Meagan is definitely a great player and that is why she along with Cameron are in the Fab15. As for having to select an All Star Team- YES I definitely would select both Ihi and Celena to be part of an All Star Team and I would’nt be suprised if they both get selected for the Team Aloha All Star Team. Realist you keep comparing players to them and it seems like a little jealousy toward Ihi and Celena for being selected. Please give both girls a little more credit, remember Ihi after coming off from a concussion played awesome in the State Tournament and Celena’s a multisport player who does well all around and even got selected in the Fab15 Girls State Volleyball. Not only did both girls get selected in the All tournament team last summer in the Oregon Trail Tournament, but they were the only Hawaii team to advance and win their Bracket Championship Game. So if body of season work is what your looking for than both ladies have bee consistent throughout the season and thats why both ladies are part of the HHSAA Girls Basketball & Volleyball Championship Team. As for Chanelle & Cameron being compared to Lebron and Kevin, this is Girls High School Basketball and not the NBA. All this ladies have their unique skills and just want to have fun and play, so please stop being so negative when the players you would have voted did’nt rate higher than Ihi and Celena. As for Cherilyn being the 2nd best player for Konawaena that again is Realist being Negative and comparing her to the other 2 players is not necessary. You say your not anti-Kona, but just anti-Ihi and anti-Celena.
They should just have a FAB 15 without ranking the 15 players as fans, coaches, players, individuals have their own opinions. And really, do they need to be ranked at the high school level? What’s the purpose of it?
The order of the Fab 15 reflects the coaches/media voting. I venture to guess that more fans like seeing the order than not. One large batch of 15 without the ranking wouldn’t be as interesting or fun. And by ranking their choices, the voters provide mathematical clarity, and that’s a must.
It’s amazing reading comments and judgements of how well these girls played and how they were all ranked. It seems as though credit is not given where it is best deserved. Celena Molina is by far a total package player. As a junior her smarts for the game is beyond high school level. Nothing negative about her should be said, she deserves every high ranking vote given. I don’t know her personally nor do I live in Kona but I hear of how her and her sisters put in 110% on their own. Hands down Celena is the best in the State.
Meagan is a beast with attitude though. I as an observer, fan, spectator has a saying, “you can an awesome athlete but if your attitude sucks, your game don’t mean nothing.” There is a difference between levels of attitude and constant swearing throughout the game, on live TV is bad, shafting your team mates as they high five you whether you miss the basket or not is poor sportsmanship, I even see her coaches constantly telling her to knock it off, they can’t even control her. BUT cause she plays good ball thats all ok? I feel the media and coaches should’ve considered that more when voting her 1st team.
Cameron Fernandez is a hot shooter! She can sink 3’s like nothing. Defensive game isn’t as strong but she is an amazing shooter! Ihi is amazing as well strong center forward! Keleah Koloi from Lahainaluna now that is a BEAST! For someone as big as her to not get the recognition deserved makes me wonder how the coaches and media really voted? I read her stats 17 rebounds in one game and 21 against Maryknoll? WOW! I watched her play on TV and she made block shots look like its the easiest thing ever. No one in the league blocked girls like her, grabbed rebounds like her while scoring double digits on top of it all. Even sinking 3’s. No negative attitude from her like Meagan but then voted 2nd team?
Mea Hafoka from Lahainaluna is a feisty player. A better player (defensively and offensively) than Cameron. Just because Mea didn’t sink as many 3’s, her defensive and offensive game is on point! Never in foul trouble either as aggressive as she is!
I think the ratings are wrong. Except for the ratings Celena got, she is definately not over ranked!
HawaiiFan you seem very knowledgeable however, your comments are a bit out of touch with reality. These girls all have talents that are both strong and weak. That being said, labeling Keleah Koloi a BEAST is a bit to much. She has no mobility to defend. She may block shots on smaller players but will get beaten by quicker players. She didn’t stop Meagan or Ihi. Cameron is a slasher with tremendous potential but has no pull-up jumper. Her body of work has shown she is one of the best in State. Mea is also a very strong player that attacks well and her defense is AWESOME, weaker offensively because she does force some shots but still is one of the best in the State. Now, aside from Chanelle who is clearly the BEST in the State, there is no way that Celena is on the same level as Mea or Cameron. She is a very good player that will be one of the best in a year or two.
Hawaii Fan, nice to see someone else’s thoughts. I may not agree with everything you said, but you have some interesting points.
I think you may be mixing up Celena with Chanelle by the way. Chanelle was no doubt the best player in the state. Celena is the sophomore sister who’s more of a post player
Realist you are correct, my mistake I did mean Chanelle. I got a little boggled with previous comments saying Celena is overrated.
Humble… “out of touch with reality” ??? I disagree!! I’ve watched all these girls play for many years and ATTITUDE, BAD ATTITUDE, BAD SPORTMANSHIP is a key factor in any sport you play. I always tell my players “you can be the best baller out there but if your attitude sucks, you ain’t no athlete. College coaches will cross your name off the list.” Call me old school but someone who has poor sportsmanship isn’t a true athlete. But hey, that’s just my opinion.
Now from what I’ve witnessed, Keleah shut down AND blocked Jasmine Moody continuously throughout their game, as well as several other girls on the Radford Team and out rebound Radfords bigs the entire night. Against Maryknoll she did the same, blocked Meagan a couple times as well as other players on the team and out rebound Maryknoll as well. So really, no mobility to defend? Hey, whether big or small, she did her job under that basket by denying shots and rebounding. She may not be as fast nor quick as a guard who is shorter than her but neither is Meagan. Watch the game again, I just did.
Cameron is one of the best in her position, no pull up jumper? Come on now! Mea is weaker offensively? Have you watched all their games including MIL? Maybe you are a bit out of touch with reality. I can’t wait to see what damage Lahainaluna’s 3 juniors will create next year. Cameron, Mea and Keleah are all BEASTS in their positions.
Don’t rate players only on their performance during the state tournament, their season games is a major factor too.
Chanelle hands down is the BEST of the BEST and Celena the post player is a beast who is definitely NOT over rated! She may not be at the same level Chanelle was as a sophomore but what I trying to say is she definitely not over rated. Ihi is a BEAST as well under that basket. Keleah may have not stopped Ihi during the championship game but Ihi didn’t stop Keleah either. Have you seen these girls play against each other besides the championship game? I live on Oahu but yet have seen many games these girls have played… perhaps a little more than you. But I do agree with you on one thing, Celena is not on the same level as Mea or Cameron. But the Molina sister will continue to be a force to be reckoned with next year and years to come.
Not to beat a dead horse or anything…….but big island all stars came out last week apparently. Guess what???? Ihi Victor wasn’t even a honorable mention, meaning none of the coaches gave her a vote.
So to proove my point, body of work and not just states
I haven’t trusted all-league picks by coaches since the 1990s. Too many games. Too much politics.