By JOE FERRARO
By JOE FERRARO
Stephens Media
KEALAKEKUA — As they always do, sophomore Evan Enriques and senior Daniel Aina Jr. filled up the stat sheet in Saturday’s Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division I final.
Enriques had a game-high 21 kills and four digs, while Aina Jr. had 10 kills, 22 assists and eight digs.
But after Kamehameha-Hawaii completed an undefeated season with a 25-14, 28-26, 25-17 over Waiakea at Konawaena High, Enriques and his father, Guy Enriques, emphasized defense and the various other selfless roles other players took on when asked what made the Warriors’ season so successful.
Both Kamehameha (16-0) and Waiakea (13-3) will represent the BIIF in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association tournament, which takes place May 2-5 in Honolulu.
Guy Enriques said he has had more talented teams in the past, but he values this Kamehameha team for its work ethic and team-first mentality.
“They work hard, they’re disciplined and they do the work in the classroom,’’ the Kamehameha coach said.
The older Enriques credited D.J. Grant-Johnson, who had eight kills and 14 assists, and middle hitters Kaipo Woolsey and Israel Trusdell for their presence at the net.
Waiakea hung with Kamehameha in Game 2, with Enriques and Aina Jr. breaking a 26-26 tie by pounding down consecutive kills.
However, when asked why his team played better in crunch time, the younger Enriques emphasized defense, particularly that of Ryan Thomas, who recorded 25 digs.
“We don’t do anything fancy in those situations,’’ Evan Enriques said. “Defense also comes first.’’
Waiakea featured a versatile attack, getting 12 kills from Mamane Namahoe, nine from Ian Witten and five from Donovan Hoohuli.
Entering the season, coach Ecko Osorio said, the public-school Warriors lacked the experience necessary to play high-level volleyball.
However, Osorio’s mindset changed as the season progressed, and he has been pleased with the progress of setters Keanu Esser and William Rellez, who had limited varsity experience.
Rellez and Esser finished Saturday’s match with 13 and 12 assists, respectively.
“We’ve started to get a little more smoother rhythm,’’ Osorio said. “They never gave up, and I’m proud of them.’’