To build the foundation for his 2016 recruiting class, Hawaii baseball coach Mike Trapasso didn’t have to travel very far.

The Rainbow Warriors announced eight fall signings for the 2016 season, with five of the eight players from the islands.

Headlining the list is Campbell RHP Ian Kahaloa, the top overall prospect in the state. Kahaloa, who hits 91-93 mph with his fastball, wowed scouts at showcases all summer and will likely be a high draft pick in 2015.

He was 6-1 with a 1.04 ERA as a junior with the Sabers and struck out 54 in 40 innings.

UH also plucked the top players out of the ILH this year, luring ‘Iolani infielder Pikai Winchester, Kamehameha catcher Kekai Rios and Saint Louis right-hander Pono Anderson.

Winchester is considered the top hitting prospect in the state, while Anderson went 2-0 with a save in the state tournament last year, leading the Crusaders to the title.

He did not give up a run in 11 innings in the tournament and is listed at 6-feet-2.

Kamehameha-Hawaii outfielder Kobi Candaroma, who led the Warriors to the Division II state title, also signed. Candaroma is a speed burner who was clocked at 6.6 seconds in the 60-yard dash.

"We’re really proud that with this recruiting class, the players from Hawaii that we signed were being recruited by several mainland schools and that they’ve chosen to stay here for their education and play for their friends and family," Trapasso said.

"It’s going to go a long way in (letting) our fans be able to really enjoy watching these kids."

UH also signed three mainland players, including infielders Adam Bedrossian of Alemany (Calif.) High and Ethan Lopez of La Mirada (Calif.) High.

Lopez had committed to Southern Cal as a junior before signing with Hawaii.

Rounding out the class is 6-foot-5 right-hander Dylan Thomas from Valencia (Calif.) High.

"The three mainland kids we signed are special and are above-average Division I players," Trapasso said. "They are really solid."

Winchester, who hit .418 in his junior season at ‘Iolani, was one of the standouts on the 2008 Waipio Little League team that won the LLWS.

"I really do believe Pikai Winchester could be drafted in the first three rounds if he goes to college for three years," Trapasso said. "There’s no doubt in my mind he has that potential with his bat."