Top Players: Update 8/14

TOP PLAYERS
Preseason 2014
Updated Wed 8/13
* Additions/changes

This is both a top-players list and watch list, and with so much talent spread across the state, it is worth keeping eyes open for burgeoning players.

As always, everything is subject to change on a weekly or daily basis. There is so much to be seen.

Ratings with question marks: These numbers were suggested by football fans/watchers. I haven’t seen these players yet.

QUARTERBACKS
1. Ryder Kuhns, Saint Louis, 6-1, 225, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 95
2. McKenzie Milton, Mililani, 5-11, 150, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 88
3. Austin Jim On, ‘Iolani, 5-9, 143, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 82
4. Montana Liana, Farrington, 6-1, 210, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 80
5. Ephraim Tuliloa, Punahou, 6-2, 205, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 75

Best of the rest
Cameron Howes, Konawaena, 5-10, 150, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 72
Micah Kanehailua, KS-Hawaii, 5-11, 170, Sr.  >> Pupule rating:
Kalanimoku Pauole, Leilehua, 5-9, 170, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 70
Fatu Sua-Godinet, Kamehameha, 5-10, 160, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 70

Alphabetical order
Koa Ellis Jr., Hawaii Prep
Stephen Lee, Castle
Chase Newton, KS-Maui
Ezra Savea, Campbell
Jordan Taamu, Pearl City
Tua Tagovaioa, Saint Louis

SUMMARY
A lot of question marks for most teams up and down the board. It’ll be telling this weekend to see which coaches let their passers loose and which coaches want game management. Nothing wrong with either approach. Can’t win games if you can’t hand the ball off.

RUNNING BACKS
1. Vavae Malepeai, Mililani, 6-0, 190, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 96
2. Wayne Taulapapa, Punahou, 5-11, 185, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 96
3. Kesi Ah-Hoy, Kahuku, 6-1, 192, So. >> Pupule rating: 84
3. Soli Afalava, Kahuku, 6-2, 201, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 84

Best of the rest (alphabetical order)
5. Tristin Spikes, Hilo, 5-8, 175, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 82
6. Randy Neverson, Leilehua, 6-0, 205, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 81
7. Kaulana Apelu, Kamehameha, 5-10, 185, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 80 (injured)
8. Freedom Alualu, Farrington, 5-8, 252, So. >> Pupule rating: 80
9. Ranan Mamiya, Farrington, 5-11, 155, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 80
12. Jared Rocha-Islas, Lahainaluna, 5-8, 189, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 79
13. Austin May, Campbell, 5-7, 173, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 78
14. Raymond Caayon, Saint Louis, 5-9, 175, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 76
15. Onosai Emelio, Maui, 6-0, 220, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 72
15. Ikaika Piceno, Leilehua, 5-8, 185, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 72
17. Ronald Young, Kapolei, 5-10, 200, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 70
18. Dusty Flores, Baldwin, >> Pupule rating: 70

Alphabetical order
K.J. Pascua, ‘Iolani, 5-5, 157, So.
Bugsy Tui, Farrington, 5-7, 248, Sr.

Not playing
3. Jordan Ross, ‘Iolani, 5-8, 164, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 88

SUMMARY
Also adds Farrington’s top backs. Saw them in two scrimmages last week, still forgot to rank them. Please forgive.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
1. Kanawai Noa, Punahou, 6-1, 185, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 98
2. Jason Sharsh, Moanalua, 5-9, 152, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 86
3. Kainoa Wilson, Mililani, 5-11, 155, Sr. >> Pupule rating 85
4. Drew Kobayashi, Saint Louis, 6-2, 185, Jr. (corrected) >> Pupule rating: 84
5. Keoni-Kordell Makekau, ‘Iolani, 5-9, 148, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 83
6. Jameson Pagisan, Radford, 6-0, 175, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 82
7. Micah Ma‘a, Punahou, 6-4, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 81

Best of the rest (alphabetical order)
8. Jayce Bantolina, Campbell, 6-2, 195, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 78
9. Fano Tuisila, Kaimuki >> Pupule rating: 78
10. Tyler Teruya, ‘Iolani >> Pupule rating: 78
11. Allen Cui, Saint Louis, 5-8, 160, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 77
12. Bronson Ramos, Mililani, 5-10, 160, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 75
13. Keola Himan, Campbell, 5-7, 150, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 72
14. Ko‘olauloa Gaspar, Kailua 6-0, 156, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 70
15. Kalakaua Timoteo, Mililani, 6-1, 195, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 68
16. Destin Moss, Kaiser, 5-10, 175, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 68
17. Naia Graham, Kailua, 6-0, 156, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 66

Alphabetical order
D.J. Chaffin, Farrington, 6-0, 150, Jr.
Matt Christman, Punahou (TE)
Naliko Kea, Kapolei, 5-7, 165, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Tyreek Keough, Leilehua >> Pupule rating:
Lauriano Lucas, Leilehua >> Pupule rating:
Josiah Maglente-Tonu, Baldwin, 6-5, 210, Sr. (TE) >> Pupule rating:
Blaise Manabe, Kalani >> Pupule rating:
Keala Martinson, Punahou
Austin Molina, Leilehua, 5-8, 160, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Nicky Palleschi, Hawaii Prep, 6-5, 205, Sr. (TE) >> Pupule rating:
Rico Sallas, Saint Louis
Toma Savea, Leilehua, 6-1, 200, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Cash Searle, Saint Louis >> Pupule rating:

SUMMARY
Adds ‘Iolani’s highly productive receivers.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
1. Fred Ulu-Perry, Saint Louis, 6-2, 290, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 98
2. Semisi Uluave, Punahou, 6-5, 310, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 94
3. Jordan Agasiva, Mililani, 6-4, 280, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 90
4. Michael Eletise, Kaiser, 6-2, 263, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 88
5. Kamuela Borden, ‘Iolani, 6-4, 230, Sr. (commit to Hawaii) >> Pupule rating:
6. Viliamu Auwae, Kapolei, 6-6, 275, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
7. Pesi Savea, Kapolei, 6-7, 279, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
8. Kolby Castillo, Aiea, 6-2, 260, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
9. Radson Jang, Kamehameha, 6-2, 250, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
10. Larry Goeas, Saint Louis, 6-0, 260, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
11. Toleafoa Auwae, Kapolei, 6-5, 280, Jr. >> Pupule rating:

Best of the rest (alphabetical order)
Arona Amosa, Campbell, 6-1, 280, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
James Copelan, Campbell, 6-1, 252, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Zachary Devela, Waiakea, 6-4, 310, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Mataio Fatuesi, Moanalua, 6-4, 260, Jr. >> Pupule rating:
Derek Fetui-Suapaia, Mililani, 6-0, 275, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Soakimi Hufanga, Leilehua, 6-1, 290 >> Pupule rating:
Peni Kalavi, Kealakehe, 6-4, 250, >> Pupule rating:
Aaron Kapihe, Kapolei, 6-2, 285, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Marcus Mafi, Mililani, Jr.
Louis Matagi, Farrington, 6-3, 384, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Kalalena Mauga, Waianae, 6-2, 280, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Chance Maxwell, Leilehua, 6-2, 250, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Conner Mowat, Lahainaluna, 5-11, 240, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
John-Wendell Nisa, Kaiser, 6-3, 295, Jr. >> Pupule rating:
Derek Nishimoto, Punahou, 6-5, 265, Sr.
Nathaniel Oishi, ‘Iolani, 6-0, 270, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Terrison Sataraka, Aiea, 6-3, 320, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Victor Tualau, Kahuku, 6-2, 325, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Andru Tovi, Mililani, 6-2, 300, Jr. >> Pupule rating:
Siotame Uluave, Kahuku, 6-2, 267, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Kordell Vaa, Pearl City, 6-2, 245, Sr. >> Pupule rating:

* Iverson Moala, Moanalua, 6-0, 270, Jr. >> Pupule rating:
> Moved to American Samoa

SUMMARY
The most loaded position statewide. Question is who will qualify academically for the next level.

ATHLETES (alphabetical order)
Alton Julius, Kapolei, 6-1, 210, Sr. (QB/WR/DB) >> Pupule rating:
Donovan Kelley, Hilo, 5-11 (SB/DB/QB) >> Pupule rating: 80
Tuli Wily-Matagi, Kahuku, 6-3, 220, Sr. (QB, projected at TE) >> Pupule rating: 80 

SUMMARY
Wily-Matagi is already committed to Utah as a tight end. Kelley was rumored to be transferring to an Oahu school in the offseason. He’s a dynamic, versatile playmaker who had some nice moments in the state tourney against Campbell last year. He and running back Tristin Spikes should provide plenty of highlights for the Vikings this fall.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES
1. Breiden Fehoko, Farrington, 6-3, 286, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 94
2. Rex Manu, Mililani, 6-3, 260, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 93
3. Salanoa Wily, Kahuku, 6-0, 243, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
4. Joseph Saula, Punahou, 6-0, 270, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
5. Manase Palu, Kaiser, 5-8, 309, Sr. >> Pupule rating:

Best of the rest (alphabetical order)
Pono Davis, KS-Hawaii, 6-1, 265, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Akila Kekoa, Leilehua >> Pupule rating:
Maika Koko, Waianae, 6-0, 250, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Allan Lagaaia, Leilehua, 6-0, 255, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Roman Salanoa, Kahuku >> 90?
Shiloh Tapasa, Aiea, 6-1, 280, Jr. >> Pupule rating:
Lyle Tuiloma, Nanakuli, 6-3, 240, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Patamo Soa, Punahou

* Tamatoa Silva, formerly Mililani. No longer playing?

SUMMARY
Lot of potential at this position, but tough to beat out Fehoko and Manu for the top two spots right now.

DEFENSIVE ENDS
1. Canton Kaumatule, Punahou, 6-7, 290, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 94
2. Mika Tafua, Kamehameha, 6-3, 210, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 90
3. Tristan Ludiazo, Campbell, 6-3, 240, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
4. Nayton Kuresa, Waianae, 6-2, 240, Sr. >> Pupule rating:

Best of the rest (alphabetical order)
Jacob Afalava (#40), Kahuku >> 88?
Bradlee Anae, Kahuku, 6-4, 220, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Zeno Choi, Kaiser, 6-2, 240, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Soga Eli, Leilehua, 5-9, 170, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Jonathan Lolohea, Lahainaluna, 6-1, 224, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Matthew Mariota, Saint Louis, 6-3, 220, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Kaimana Padello, Mililani >> Pupule rating:
Skky Passi, ‘Iolani, 6-2, 214, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Myles Uepa, Kapolei, 6-7, 265, Sr. >>

SUMMARY
No question Kaumatule has the talent and tools. Can he stay healthy? Same goes for Tafua.

LINEBACKERS
1. Ronley Lakalaka, Punahou, 6-0, 210, Sr. (OLB) >> Pupule rating: 88
2. Saitui Moea‘i, Punahou, 6-0, 195, Sr. (OLB) >> Pupule rating: 87
3. Reupena Fitisemanu, Kahuku, 6-0, 265, Sr. (ILB/FB) >> Pupule rating:
4. Bryce Tatupu-Leopoldo, Farrington, 5-10, 226, Sr. (ILB) >> Pupule rating:
5. Manaia Atuaia, Kahuku, 6-0, 200, Sr. (OLB) >> Pupule rating:
6. Soli Afalava, Kahuku, 6-2, 201, Sr. (OLB/S) >> Pupule rating:
7. Kalama Chung, Punahou, 5-9, 220, Sr. (ILB) >> Pupule rating:
8. Ronald Matautia, Kapolei, 5-11, 205, Sr. (OLB) >> Pupule rating:

Best of the rest (alphabetical order)
Isiah Agiga, Waianae, 6-0, 175, Sr. (OLB) >> Pupule rating:
Bubba Ellis, Konawaena, 5-6, 185, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Ofa Fahiua, Hilo, 5-11, 200, Sr. (ILB) >> Pupule rating:
Parker Higgins, Kaiser, 5-10, 199, Jr.  >> Pupule rating:
Brandon Kaina, Lahainaluna, 5-11, 180, Sr. (ILB) >> Pupule rating:
Nohea Keahi, Baldwin, 6-1, 210, Sr. (ILB) >> Pupule rating:
Malcolm Macatiag, Kahuku (transfer)
Malaesaili Petaia, Punahou, 6-1, 202, Sr. (OLB) >> Pupule rating:
Jon Rosa-Sinclair, Kapolei, 6-1, 210, Sr. (OLB) >> Pupule rating:
Tane Tuifua, Saint Louis, 5-11, 220, Sr. (ILB) >> Pupule rating:
Moana Vainikolo, Maui 5-11, 210, Sr. (OLB) >> Pupule rating:
Jaren Zadlo, Mililani, 6-0, 195, Sr. >> Pupule rating:

* Isaac Slade-Matautia, Saint Louis, 6-0, 185, So. >> Pupule rating:
> Not eligible to play in 2014 due to transfer rule

* Jordan Iosefa, Waipahu, 6-2, 192, Jr.
> Transferred to Saint Louis, sitting out this year

* 8. Logan Tago, Farrington, 6-3, 210, Sr. (ILB) >> Pupule rating:
> Moved to American Samoa

SUMMARY
Tatupu-Leopoldo looked good in scrimmages. He gave up basketball a year ago and the move has apparently paid off well. Fitisemanu is the heaviest linebacker I can remember in a long time. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as a down lineman at times, dropping into coverage.

CORNERBACKS
1. Dayson Watanabe, Punahou, 5-7, 155, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
2. Quinton Slade-Matautia, ‘Iolani, 5-7, 150, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
3. Siaki Alualu, Saint Louis, 6-0, 172, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
4. Deshaun Osborne, Leilehua, 5-9, 162, Sr. >> Pupule rating:

Best of the rest (alphabetical order)
Izaiah Lavatai, Radford >> 80?
Tristan Centeio, Kapolei, 5-10, 170, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Niko Kala-Mahiai, Waianae >> Pupule rating:
Cody Kim, Kaiser >> Pupule rating:
Austin Molina, Leilehua >> Pupule rating:
Randon Oda, Punahou >> Pupule rating:
Siaosi Pakileata, Farrington, 5-11, 164, Sr. >> Pupule rating:

SUMMARY
Plenty of potential across the board here. No dominant corner. Yet.

SAFETIES
1. Solomon Matautia, Campbell, 6-2, 205, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 96
2. Dylan Kane, Kamehameha, 6-3, 185, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 88
3. Abel Taito, Campbell, 6-0, 190, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
4. Hirkley Latu, Kahuku, 6-4, 200, Sr. >> Pupule rating:

Best of the rest (alphabetical order)
Caleb Baptiste, KS-Hawaii, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Zac Correa, Waiakea, 5-6, 113, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Koa Ellis, Hawaii Prep, 5-9, 195, Sr.  >> Pupule rating:
Makoa Filikitonga, Lahainaluna, 5-10, 169, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Bryson Hughes, Kapolei, 6-1, 200, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Gabe Igafo, Aiea, 5-9, 170, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Alapaki Iaea, KS-Hawaii, 6-0, 175, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Leejay Lauti, Leilehua, 5-9, 185, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Wyatt Maa, ‘Iolani, 5-9, 172, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Iosefo Noga, Saint Louis, 5-10, 165, So. >> Pupule rating:
Keala Santiago, Kahuku, 5-10, 165, Sr. >> Pupule rating:
Luka Varic, Konawaena, Jr.  >> Pupule rating:

SUMMARY
Matautia was one of the best safeties not just last year, but of all the safeties I’ve seen in more than two decades. Plus, he’s a deadly kick returner.

PLACEKICKERS
1. Kekoa Sasaoka, Farrington, 5-9, 231, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 80
2. Stanton Spencer, Waianae, 6-0, 175, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 79
3. Keoni-Kordell Makekau, ‘Iolani, 5-9, 148, Jr. >> Pupule rating: 78

Best of the rest (alphabetical order)
Naia Graham, Kailua, 6-0, 156, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 76
Marc Matas, Mililani, 5-10, 175, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 76
John Toner, Punahou, 6-3, 180, Jr. >> Pupule rating:
Alexander Trifonovitch, Punahou, 6-1, 175, Sr. >> Pupule rating: 75

SUMMARY
Narrow margin of difference, if any, in a relatively deep position.

Updates for all positions will be posted at hawaiiprepworld.com throughout the season.