Finalists from the Fall sports season have been announced in the inaugural Pizza Hut Newcomers award, which recognizes the top first-year varsity athletes statewide.

The athletes named are:

Kayla Afoa, Kamehameha (Girls Volleyball) - Warriors' outside hitter named to the ILH Division I 2nd team as a freshman.

Makai Clemons, Kalaheo (Cross Country) - Freshman harrier placed first in the OIA Championships, was fourth best in the HHSAA State Championships and was also an OIA All-Star selection.

Vae Malepeai, Mililani (Football) - Sophomore running back led the state with 1350 yards and 20 TDs; Named All-Hawaii Division I 1st team running back and was OIA co-Offensive Player of the Year.

Keoni-Cordell Makekau, Iolani (Football) - Wide reciever was 2nd in recieving yardage in Division II play with 10 TDs in first year of play as a Raider, and was named to the All-Hawaii Division II 1st team as well as the the ILH 1st team.

McKenzie Milton, Mililani (Football) - Trojans' signal caller ranked fifth in passing yardage with 1626 and added 16 scores in his first year at the controls.

Kailey Totherow, Punahou (Cross Country) - Sophomore placed third in the ILH Championships, took 12th place in the HHSAA State Championships, and was named to the ILH 1st team.

Kristopher Yadao, Pearl City (Bowling) - Freshman took home 5th place in the OIA Championships and finished 8th in the HHSAA State Championships.

The winner of the award is set to be announced at the end of year, following the conclusion of the Spring sports season.