HHSAA picks 12 from class of 2013 for its Hall of Honor

The Hawaii High School Athletic Association announced its 12-member Hall of Honor class of 2013 selections on Sunday.

The group includes a higher-than-usual number of football standouts, including Baldwin’s Keelan Ewaliko and Kahuku’s Kawehena Johnson. Ewaliko starred at quarterback, but was also a champion sprinter on the track. Johnson, the Star-Advertiser’s defensive player of the year in football, also excelled in basketball and track.

The 12 inductees, in alphabetical order:

Raion Black, Christian Academy, track and field

The powerful sprinter helped put the tiny school’s athletic program on the map. She won the 100- and 200-meter sprints at the state championships, totaling five gold medals for her career. She will run at UH next year.

Keelan Ewaliko, Baldwin, football, track and field

The speedy playmaker was the sparkplug for the Bears’ football team as a QB with elite skill on the run. He was a three-time MIL player of the year despite missing part of his senior year with an injury. He was a blur on the track, winning the 100 and 200 in the state championships, and anchoring the winning 4×100 relay team. As a junior, he was the 200-meter state champion and helped the 4×100 relay team place first. He will play football at UH this fall.

Michael Fisher, Hawaii Baptist, volleyball

The 6-foot-7 skywalker led the Eagles to three consecutive state titles in Division II, and dominated in nonconference tournaments against some of the top teams from Hawaii and California. He is a two-time All-State Fab 15 selection and is primed for another all-state nab as a senior. He was also a four-time pick to the D-II all-state tournament team. He will play for UCLA next season.

Kawehena Johnson, Kahuku, football, basketball, track and field

His leadership was unmatched for the Red Raiders, who won state crowns during his junior and senior seasons. As a defensive back, kick returner, wide receiver and QB, his impact was often great. He is also a two-time All-State basketball player, a guard with tremendous scoring ability and defensive skill. He signed with New Mexico State to play football.

Shaun Kagawa, KS-Hawaii, football, basketball, tennis

Originally a tennis player as a keiki, he became a two-time All-State selection in basketball, arguably one of the finest defensive players in recent Hawaii history. He also shined in football as a cornerback. Kagawa has been accepted to West Point and will play football for Army.

Carly Kan, Punahou, volleyball, track and field

She thrived on the volleyball court for the Buffanblu, becoming a three-time All-State selection with her hammer from the front and back rows, as well as her dexterity on defense. She was named the Star-Advertiser player of the year as a senior, helping her team win its second state title in a row. On the track, she ran with the 4×100 state title relay team as a junior, then won triple jump gold as a senior. She will play volleyball at Missouri next season.

Alex Masaquel, ‘Iolani, basketball, softball

Despite a serious leg injury as a junior, the 5-foot-11 standout returned to continue her success for the Raiders. She was a three-time All-State basketball player, including a No. 2 pick by coaches and media as a senior. Her dominance inside helped her become a regular double-double performer. She was a first-team All-State selection as a first baseman in softball as a sophomore before losing her junior season. She is one of the top candidates to make the first team again after a stellar year on the diamond as a senior. She will play basketball at William & Mary next season.

Dane Pestano, Kamehameha, wrestling, judo

Known to friends as ‘Ihi, he was a two-time wrestling state champion and four-time judo state champion. As a senior, he won the state title in wrestling at 215 pounds and at 220 pounds in judo. He will wrestle at Iowa State next season.

Bree Rapoza, Kamehameha, wrestling, judo

She became a three-time wrestling state champion, including the 117-pound title as a senior. On the judo mat, she won four state titles. Her most renowned feat, though, might have come after her sophomore year, when she took the national championship in the Fargo Freestyle National Cadet division against older wrestlers. She plans to wrestle at Missouri Baptist.

Renny Richmond, Seabury Hall, swimming

He set a state record in the 100-meter fly as a freshman, then broke the record as a sophomore, and again as a junior. He finished her career with six titles in all, including the 200 freestyle and 50 free. He will swim for Arizona next season.

Isaac Savaiinaea, Punahou, football, track and field

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker was arguably the most imposing player in the middle of the field. He was a ferocious pass rusher when necessary, able to drop into coverage when required. He also was a two-time ILH shot put champion and won the league’s discus title as a junior. He will play football at UCLA.

Aofaga Wily, Kahuku, football

Despite a slew of injuries, including an ankle problem that required surgery after his junior year, he plowed and sprinted his way to the All-State first team as a running back three times. He anchored an offense that was highly dependent on the rushing attack, and quietly churned his way to the No. 2 spot for career rushing yardage in state history: 4,205 yards. Kahuku won the past two state D-I titles with Wily as its offensive centerpiece. He will play for the Rainbow Warriors next season.