ScoringLive photo illustration

Purchase image 1 of 1

We continue our WatcLlist series with volleyball taking the court, with five players (listed alphabetically by last name) to take note of in the 2020-21 sports year and what their coaches had to say about each.

Lucas Biondi, senior, Iolani, Outside Hitter

After transferring from Saint Francis due to the school's closure, Biondi certainly proved his worth in limited action this past season, and looks poised be a great asset to this Raider team in the coming year.

"Lucas has transitioned nicely to Iolani and continues to conquer both the academic and athletic challenges before him," said Iolani head coach Jordan Inafuku. "He is a supremely competitive athlete, a well-rounded outside hitter and a creative and powerful terminator, but it will be his ever-improving work ethic and discipline that will help him support our team the most in 2021."

In just four games played in his junior campaign, Biondi saw a good amount of playing time and led the team in kills and aces, two categories that he also led the Saints in during the teams' Division II state title run in 2019.

"He is more ready than he's ever been to fulfill his massive potential," added Inafuku.

Barron Paikai, junior, Moanalua, Setter

Paikai lead the Menehunes through their first part of this season undefeated with a 2-0 record defeating both Kaimuki and Kalani in straight sets.

The junior made the transition from libero as a sophomore to setter this past season.

"With a high volleyball IQ and wanting to be a better player and teammate, he'll be one of the guys that will take over the leadership of next year's team," said Moanalua head coach Alan Cabanting.

Moanalua lost nine seniors to graduation in 2020, and of the returning juniors, of which there are four, Paikai is the only returning player with any significant minutes over the last two seasons.

Maui Robins, sophomore, Kamehameha, Outside Hitter/Opposite

Robins had an impressive performance with 8 kills, 20 digs, 3 block solos, and 4 block assists against Punahou in a 5 set match that went Kamehameha's way. About 2 weeks later, she had a season high 14 kills and added 4 block assists against Iolani in a reverse sweep over Iolani.

"Maui was an important part of our serve-receive and defensive scheme last season," said Kamehameha head coach Chris Blake. "Her under-rated serve reception and ability to see plays before they happen were key in our success."

With seven seniors having graduated this year, including All-Hawaii Player of the Year and Nebraska-bound Keonilei Akana, Robins will see an increase in responsibility and importance to her role on the team.

"She has grown up around high-level volleyball her whole life and it allows for a high volleyball intelligence and she has the skills and abilities to be able to execute at a high level," he added. "This year, she will be called upon to also carry a larger load to contribute to the team growth and success."

Mokihana Tufono, sophomore, Iolani, Setter

Tufono ranked seventh overall in assists this year with a total of 281. In a five set thriller against Kamehameha that Iolani fell short in, she had a season high 52 assists and added four block assists.

"Mokihana's positive vibe illuminates our team and program. Her leadership from the setting position is tremendous for our team confidence and her willingness to do whatever is asked of her sets a great example," said Iolani head coach Kainoa Obrey."We had an overall young team last season and Mokihana helped us to play confidently and fearless."

Being only a sophomore, Mokihana has helped to create an environment of both success and confidence on the Raiders' team.

"Since I have been at Iolani, we had one of our highest hitting percentages with her setting," remarked Obrey. "She has incredible drive and passion for volleyball that will help her continue to improve. We will lean on Mokihana for her leadership and ability to raise the level of her teammates to help us navigate this upcoming season."

Nive Tuileta, junior, Le Jardin Academy, Setter

Tuileta led the Bulldogs in overall assists with 133 this season. She had an all-out performance against Mililani in the state tournament with a season high 42 assists and added 10 digs as well.

"She is a competitor, one of the best setters in the state, an exceptional teammate, and emotionally intelligent. I have always loved her team-centric approach and her ability to lead by example too."

Tuileta has been a part of the Bulldogs varsity squad since she was a freshman and has made a large impact ever since.

"When I think about her greatest strengths, I always come back to her game IQ and ability to lead by example. You cannot overstate how important it is to have those two qualities on the floor in a team environment," remarked Le Jardin head coach Lee Lamb.

"It helps in the day to day grind. It helps in the big moments. It's something her teammates can rely on and I think it helps then narrow their focus and realize more of their performance potential. Mentally, when you can rely on someone else to be an anchor, it allows you to play more freely, with less worry or concern for other aspects of the game," said Lamb.