As voted by the coaches, this year’s Kauai Interscholastic Federation baseball all stars have been selected. Of the 11 spots on the list, four players represent KIF title winner Kauai High School. Red Raiders junior Micah Layosa was chosen as
As voted by the coaches, this year’s Kauai Interscholastic Federation baseball all stars have been selected. Of the 11 spots on the list, four players represent KIF title winner Kauai High School.
Red Raiders junior Micah Layosa was chosen as Player of the Year. He played as an infielder and pitcher.
“I’m just surprised. I didn’t expect to get Player of the Year,” Layosa said in a phone interview Friday. “I had a good season and I did some all right things, but there’s other people that are good as well.”
“If I could, I’d pick my whole team as Player of the Year. Without the team, I couldn’t do nothing. I’m grateful for my team,” he added.
Fellow Red Raider and last year’s Player of the Year, senior Cal Koga, also made this year’s list as a catcher. He said being an all star again is good, but winning the KIF championship was better.
“Winning the KIF means more because it’s more of a team goal. Accomplishing that means more,” Koga said.
Koga will continue playing at San Jose State University in California. There, he’ll join Kapaa High School alumnus Rashaan “Turtle” Kuhaulua, who is a pitcher and infielder for the SJSU Spartans.
“I went up to an official visit in October. I got to spend a few days with him (Kuhaulua),” Koga said about San Jose State. “It’s going to be a lot of work, but it’s going to be really fun.”
Four players from Kapaa High School made the all star roster this year.
“It’s good. I worked hard for that. Hard work pays off,” said Warriors senior Keoki Planas, who was named the year’s best pitcher. He hopes to continue playing baseball after he graduates.
“It’s a big impact on my senior year. I never knew I made the list,” added Kapaa senior Bradley Villanueva, who made the all star list as an outfielder. “It’s a big accomplishment for our team, for a few of our seniors to make the all star team.”
Three of this year’s all stars come from Waimea High School.
“It’s a big accomplishment. Last year, I didn’t do too well on the mound. Didn’t do what my coach thought I was going to do,” said Menehune senior Patrick Keamoai-Strickland, who made the list as the utility player. He played starting pitcher, first baseman and outfielder.
Keamoai-Strickland said he will continue playing baseball, as well as football, at Santa Rosa Junior College in California.
“Really excited. I just want to see how I match up against players in the Mainland — see how I do,” he said.
Fellow Menehune, sophomore Caleb Ephan, is an all star outfielder.
“That’s awesome. … It’s my first time being an all star for high school. It feels exciting because I’m just a sophomore. I never thought I’d make it,” Ephan said.
KIF Baseball All Stars
Pitcher: Keoki Planas, senior, Kapaa
Catcher: Cal Koga, senior, Kauai
First baseman: Aaron Renaud, sophomore, Kauai
Second baseman: Kaiolohia Perreira-Alquiza, sophomore, Waimea
Third baseman: DJ Lacaden, senior, Kapaa
Shortstop: Keola Lutz, senior, Kapaa
Outfield: John Dumlao, senior, Kauai
Outfield: Bradley Villanueva, senior, Kapaa
Outfield: Caleb Ephan, sophomore, Waimea
Utility: Patrick Keamoai-Strickland, senior, Waimea
Player of the Year: Micah Layosa, junior, Kauai
Coach of the Year: Hank Ibia, Kauai
