Kohala's Kauka, Kamehameha's Dunn win Pizza Hut Newcomer award

ScoringLive photo illustration

Male Newcomer of the Year: Layden Kauka, Kohala, basketball

The 6-foot-1 guard quickly made a name for himself with a stellar freshman season that ended with a state championship for his team and a state player of the year accolade for Kauka. After averaging 17.1 points per game, including 18 per contest in three state tournament games, Kauka collected All-Hawaii Division II Player of the Year honors. He led Kohala to its second state crown in three years and was selected as the state tournament's most outstanding player and BIIF D2 Player of the Year.

Female Newcomer of the Year: Nihoaokealii Dunn, Kamehameha, basketball

The 5-foot-11 center introduced herself to the prep basketball world with a standout freshman season that saw her average a team-high 11.9 points per game. Dunn posted a season-high 22 points in a win over Damien in early January. She scored in double digits in 13 of her team's 20 regular or postseason games. Dunn earned Division I all-tournament team at states, was selected as an All-ILH First Team all-star and tabbed for Second Team All-HawaIi recognition.

The Pizza Hut Newcomer is awarded for superior performance by a male and a female student-athlete participating in their FIRST FULL YEAR of play in varsity athletics.

Freshmen, as well as any players who have not yet played in a regular-season league contest are eligible.