KIF boys basketball All-Stars announced

LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation announced the All-Star selections for the 2010-11 boys basketball season, as six seniors comprised the team, but a junior took home Player of the Year honors.

Kapa‘a Warriors junior point guard Willis Batol was named Player of the Year, as his team came away with the KIF league title in a thrilling double-overtime playoff win over the Kaua‘i Red Raiders, 57-55, on Feb. 8. The lightning-quick guard used his ball-handling skills and defensive instincts to swing many games in his team’s favor, as Kapa‘a went 10-3 in the KIF season.

Teammate Spam Lindsey had the winning bucket at the buzzer in that championship contest and was chosen as an All-Star at the forward position. Lindsey showed off some quick post moves, as well as his feathery touch from the outside. Also voted in as a forward was the Island School Voyagers’ Canaan Higa, the leader of the much-improved Island School program that picked up a pair of regular-season victories.

The center position was awarded to Kaua‘i’s Joe Duronslet, who played different spots on the floor and was one of the top rebounders in the league.

His fellow senior teammate, Bryan Andres, was selected as an All-Star at one of the two guard positions. Andres often led Kaua‘i in scoring and was relied upon to be the team’s floor general. Also selected at a guard spot was Kapa‘a’s Bradley Coloma, who knocked down numerous big threes and came away with more than his fair share of rebounds, while usually the smallest player on the court.

Waimea Menehune senior Vinda Carineo took the utility spot, after a big season statistically. The talented forward showed off plenty of offensive ability, both attacking in the paint and on the perimeter.

Coach of the Year honors went to Kapa‘a head coach Phillip Baclayon, who added another KIF title and took his club to O‘ahu for the HHSAA state tournament.