Tribune-Herald Athlete of the Week: St. Joe’s Fukuda

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Manato Fukuda

Manato Fukuda

Sport: basketball

There were myriad candidates to choose from this week, but the honor goes to a player who put his team over the top on BIIF championship week.

Without Fukuda, a student from Japan, St. Joseph wouldn’t be celebrating its first BIIF boys basketball title since 2010.

Fukuda’s team-high 13th and 14th points on Friday night in the BIIF Division II semifinals came on a layup at the buzzer, lifting St. Joseph to a 42-41 victory against Hawaii Preparatory.

On Saturday night back at Hilo Civic, St. Joseph needed every one of Fukuda’s 13 points to rally and beat Honokaa 51-50.

5 questions

Favorite song: “Big Rings,” by Drake.

What makes you happy: Playing basketball

Favorite cartoon character: Super Saiyan 4 from Dragon Ball GT

Favorite food: Taco rice

Favorite sports role model: Stephen Curry

To nominate an Athlete of the Week, email sports@hawaiitribune-herald.com