The top six boys and girls who recorded the highest averages this past season were named Kauai Interscholastic Federation bowling all-stars. The 12 bowling standouts, in addition to scoring the highest averages, also were required to play a minimum of
The top six boys and girls who recorded the highest averages this past season were named Kauai Interscholastic Federation bowling all-stars.
The 12 bowling standouts, in addition to scoring the highest averages, also were required to play a minimum of nine games during the season. The list was released by the league Wednesday.
Of the girls, the leading four come from Kauai High School: senior Maria Luis (191.67), senior Tia Rego (163.67), sophomore Krysten Padasdao (158.67) and senior Geneva Dela Cruz (157.56).
Kauai High girls bowling coach Kyrin Sasaki couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.
Waimea High juniors Daleijah Campos-Banasihan (157.33) and Kiarra Palacio (154.00) round out the league’s top six girls.
“This is their second year that we have them. They have tons of potential,” said Waimea head coach Keiko Sagawa-Pananganan of the two Menehune all-stars. “They’re very coachable. They’re awesome athletes. It makes coaching them easy. They have tons of potential, so I’m really excited for next year.”
At the Billy Tees Bowling Championships state tournament on Oahu last week, Luis was the top girls finisher from the KIF. She placed 16th overall with average of 158.44. Campos-Banasihan was 24th with an average of 153.67. Rego was 72nd with a 133.00 average.
Dela Cruz was 75th with a 132.56 average. Padasdao was 79th with a 130.78 average.
Of the boys, Kapaa High senior Caleb Keohohou (199.78) lead the group. Kapaa freshman Kalani Young (183.89) also made the top six.
“First off, I wouldn’t have gotten here by myself. But it makes me feel good inside,” Keohohou said. “I worked really hard to get to where I am today. All the hard work and help from my coaches paid off.”
Kapaa coach Vanessa Chang said: “Caleb, first of all, held the top position beginning with the first match. As far as I can remember, we cannot remember anyone holding that position all the way through the season. … That was really exciting for us, that he held his No. 1 spot. As far as Kalani, being a freshman, that was really exciting for us he made all stars. He comes from a bowling family. His uncle and grandfather are pro bowlers. He’s been bowling a long time as well, and we’re excited to have him on the team.”
The rest of the boys come from Kauai High: sophomore Alvin Reis (189.44), senior Christian Illoreta (188.22), junior Alan Bueno (186.89) and senior Rendle Mones (183.44).
“For me, what made them so successful is they’ve been practicing,” said Kauai High boys coach Bernard Almarza. “They practice on their own. They practice with the team. We don’t have to tell them what to do. They take their own initiative, which is good.”
Reis led the KIF boys at states, placing 14th individually with an average of 176.63. Bueno was 20th with a 173.33 average. Illoreta was 24th with a 168.75 average.
“Being on the all-star team means a lot, actually,” Illorta said. “Playing for four years in high school, it feel pretty good. Being an all-star this year, it feels pretty good. I’m happy about it.”
He added: “I think this season is probably my favorite out of the four years I’ve been playing. My team has been doing pretty good. I feel like their attitude towards the sport has been their best.”
Keohohou was 63rd with an average of 157.22. Mones was 96th with a 127.20 average.
