For her final contribution as head coach of the University of Hawaii at Hilo softball program, Peejay Brun released a list of recruits for the 2016 season that includes five players from the state and a few she thinks will challenge immediately for starting roles.
“I have said all along I believe there is more talent in this state than people realize,” Brun said, “and I think this group will make the point when they get in here and get opportunities to play.”
Brun, 63-33-1 in two years at UH-Hilo, recently accepted an associate head coach appointment at Division I Texas State University. She is in her last week on the job with the Vulcans.
Here are the incoming players for the 2016 season, which includes one college transfer and seven high school players, their previous positions listed in parenthesis, with comments from Brun:
Briauna Carter (3B), Western Nevada College — “She is big, a 6-foot tall power hitter; a very strong bat that I think will fit perfectly in the middle of the lineup. She will rack up RBIs.”
Toshonnie Baker (SS), North High School (Torrance, Calif.) — “A line drive hitter, a great softball player build; she will find a place in the lineup somewhere in 3-6 range, eventually.”
Mylee Enos (1B), Maryknoll HS — “Different type player, she throws left, hits right, has almost a baseball swing, a good follow-through. Very good glove, she was all-conference at first base.”
Leah Gonzales (P), Banning HS (Calif.) — “She had a slow start to her senior year but she finished very strong, she took them to the finals and just got win after win. She’s going to rock the pitching staff and make it much deeper than it has been.”
Kristen Iishi (OF), Mililani HS — “Really a good, all-around player. She is small but racks up hits and is a natural No. 4 in the lineup, though you wouldn’t know it to look at her.”
Brinell Kaleikini (3B/C), Moanalua HS — “I was tipped off to her by her coach (who Brun coached years ago). She has great bat speed, a very good athlete who can play multiple positions, including catcher, which is where we’ve had depth issues. She will help immediately.”
Jordan Millwood (2B), Kamehameha-Kapalama HS — “She comes from a very strong program, she’s used to winning. Her swing has a bit of a loop in it, but she has an opportunity because we just lost a four-year starter at her position.”
ALeigha Scoval (SS/OF), Kauai HS — “A raw athletic talent I don’t feel has been developed just yet. She has a great arm, needs to build up her strength and muscularity, but she is the kind of person who will improve by leaps and bounds once she gets in here.” Note: Scoval spells her first name with a capital A and L.
Brun said there are “at least three or four,” of the incoming players that will “either win a starting job outright or play at lot and really, that’s what the program has needed. We have had good players in several positions, but we haven’t had a lot of depth, until now.”
