It wasn’t a big surprise for the biggest man on the court in the KIF this season, as Kaua‘i High School senior center Futi Tavana earned player of the year honors for the 2005 season. “It’s a great honor and
It wasn’t a big surprise for the biggest man on the court in the KIF this season, as Kaua‘i High School senior center Futi Tavana earned player of the year honors for the 2005 season.
“It’s a great honor and I’m just very happy that I got the player of the year award,” Tavana said.
Tavana led the league in scoring, averaging just a shade under 20 points per game. He also owned the boards and swatted away the most attempts on the season.
“In the state tournament, I was just trying to give my all because I knew that would be the last time I would put on a Red Raider uniform,” Tavana said.
But it really wasn’t the statistics that made Futi the top performer of 2005. Instead, it was his presence in the middle, altering shots and dominating down low, on both ends of the floor.
“Well, since baskeball is done, I’m getting ready to go on recruiting trips, it’s all up in the air right now,” Tavana said.
He said it’s also a toss up in terms of either playing basketball or volleyball at the next level, although he has received more offers from volleyball programs.
In the first contest of the season against Kapa‘a, Tavana was limited in action because of a calf injury. After getting back up to full strength towards the end of the season, Tavana nailed down the undefeated season for the Red Raiders with help from his teammates.
Three other Kaua‘i players made the elite squad, with senior point guard Jeremy Manuel earning another all-star honor. Manuel was last season’s player of the year, as the point guard for Waimea. He was also the only player in KIF history to play in four straight state tournaments.
Junior shooting guard Josh Bradbury shot his way to a spot on the all-star team. He came on strong towards the end of the season and buried trifectas, as easy as tying his shoelaces.
The other Kaua‘i all-star was senior forward Kekoa Crowell, who is probably the only surprise on the squad. He made his presence felt in the paint from the start. The Red Raider signal caller also developed a steady jumper to go with his all-around game.
Kapa‘a’s lone all-star is senior forward Amini Ta‘ufo‘ou. The tough customer pestered Tavana all season long. Ta‘ufo‘ou is a gentle giant with an infectious smile, but while on the court, the Warrior forward was all business. In the paint, it was hard to stop Ta‘ufo‘ou, who grabbed numerous boards and layed down the law while in the paint.
Waimea High School senior point guard Aaron Hesapene was recognized as a utility player on the KIF all-star team. Hesapene had court-savvy, which is hard to find at the high school level. A nice jumper and the ability to drive and dish, were just some of the many talents of the Menehune senior.
Coach of the year went to Kaua‘i High School’s Brandon Fujita, who picked up his first honor in his young career. Fujita, who is a passionate coach who loves his craft, mentioned time and time again, that this year’s Red Raider squad was the best group of boys he’s ever been around.
“I think he deserved it, he really worked us hard and we hated it at first, but it definitely paid off in the end,” Tavana said.
Fujita’s assistants were Kevin Medeiros and Shawn Doo.
“It has truly been an honor to have coached this team. They have done everything we have asked of them all year, It is also not an accident that they have conducted them-selves in such a mature and well mannered fashion,” Fujita said.
“They are great examples of the people who have raised them. Their parents deserve all the credit in the world. The parents gave me their trust and unwavering support and because of that, we collectively were able to accomplish many great things this year.”
The 2005 KIF basketball all-stars were selected by the coaches of the three high schools and the media.
2005 KIF Basketball All-Stars
Player of the year:Futi Tavana (Kaua‘i) Sr.
Coach of the year:Brandon Fujita (Kaua‘i)
Point Guard:Jeremy Manuel (Kaua‘i) Sr.
Shooting Guard:Josh Bradbury (Kaua‘i) Jr.
Forward:Kekoa Crowell (Kaua‘i) Sr.
Forward:Amini Ta‘ufo‘ou (Kapa‘a) Sr.
Center:Futi Tavana (Kaua‘i) Sr.
