Of her many responsibilities, McKenna Granato was tasked with leading her Punahou volleyball team on and off the court.

The senior co-captain was always known for her heavy hitting. As a leader, though, she had never captained any Buffanblu squad until this year.

Over the course of the season, Granato helped a young team grow closer. In the end, the 5-foot-11 outside hitter led a team effort in winning the state championship.

Granato was voted Star-Advertiser’s state player of the year by coaches and media, the latest honor for the University of Hawaii commit.

In November, she was a first-team selection on the Under Armour Girls High School All-American Team. That earned her a trip to the NCAA championship in Oklahoma City, where she played in an exhibition match against other first-team players. Earlier this month, she was named Gatorade Player of the Year.

“One of the biggest compliments I hear from the younger girls is that both her and (co-captain) Kiani (Tuileta) did a great job of making sure that they felt like they belonged and they were all equal,” Punahou coach Tanya Fuamatu-Anderson said.

Granato had usually been the youngest player on teams and would look at the older players for support and guidance. She said it was different switching roles. Over time, the team grew closer to one another, translating to cohesion on the floor.

“We’re together a lot and we got along really well,” Granato said. “In the end, our chemistry was better and we all knew what we needed to do and trusted each other.”

Four of Granato’s teammates made the Fab 15 team. Setter Tuileta, who directed Punahou’s offense, made the team for the second straight season. Also on the list are middle blocker Vonica Malufau, libero Brandee Markwith and opposite Kiana Peroff.

State runner-up Kamehameha had four players in the Fab 15. Outside hitter Tiyana Hallums and libero Mia Heirakuji were repeat picks. Setter Lynzi Akeo started for the Warriors until a season-ending knee injury in the ILH regular-season finale. Sarah Lau provided versatility as a setter and hitter for the Warriors.

Outside hitters Silerolia Gaogao and Johanna Kruize carried Moanalua to an OIA title and undefeated regular season. Gaogao also made the Fab 15 last year.

Konawaena won a second straight Division II state title with outside hitters and sisters Chanelle and Celena Molina.

Celena also saw time at setter for the Wildcats and Chanelle made the Fab 15 last year. They are the only Division II players on this year’s team.

Kaiulani Ahuna helped Kamehameha-Hawaii win the BIIF title and is a repeat Fab 15 selection. Kapolei’s Shekinah Clarke saw very limited action in the regular season because of a knee injury, but returned in the postseason to lead the Hurricanes to the OIA final and state semifinals appearance.

Coach Naidah Gamurot, who guided Kapolei to its first-ever Division I state tournament berth, was voted coach of the year.

HONORABLE MENTION

Jayleen Abregana, Kapolei

Kayla Afoa, Kamehameha

Reyn Akiu, Kamehameha

Kea Browne, Kamehameha

Bailey Choy, Iolani

Gabbie Ewing, Haw. Prep

Phoebe Fickbohm, Seabury 

Treyanna Freitas,  King Kekaulike

Shayla Hoeft, Seabury

Leila Holt, Kamehameha

Alexandra Jacobsen, Kalaheo

Kyra Kaloi, Hilo

Natalia Kaopua, Nanakuli

Lillie Klemmer, Punahou

Raelyn Leong, Kailua

Kiki Leutenecker, Seabury

Hana Lishman, Punahou

Kayla Magbaleta, Mililani

Kamalu Makekau-Whitaker, KS-Hawaii

Kadara Marshall, Waiakea

Syenna Masaki, Kalaheo

Kristen Miguel, Mililani

Jasmine Niutupuivaha,  Kahuku

Annika San Nicolas, Kapolei

Anna Uhr, Iolani

Sara Utsugi, Haw. Baptist

McKenna Ventura, Kona

Emily Wada, Haw. Baptist

Carey Williams, Kahuku

Harley Woolsey, KS-Hawaii