tHE STANDOUTS

A 2020 graduate of Waiakea High School in Hilo, Hawai‘i … was a Baseball America Top 500 draft prospect … the 27th-ranked first baseman in the 2020 class … two-time Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) first team selection (2018, ’19) … named to the 2019 Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State First Team after hitting .417 with eight doubles and 20 RBI … helped the Warriors win the 2018 BIIF championship … 2019 New York Yankees Area Code Team and Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team … club team was Big Island Woodbat Academy.

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Previous Schools:  Attended BYU in Provo, Utah, in 2022-23 and the University of Hawai‘i Manoa in 2020-21.
2023 (Junior at BYU):  Appeared in 23 games for the Cougars … hit .217 with 13 hits, three home runs, seven runs and 16 RBI.
2021 (Freshman at Hawai‘i):  Appeared in 28 games, making 15 starts for the Rainbow Warriors … hit .299 with two doubles, one triple, one homer, 10 runs and 14 RBI … first career hit came against Hawai‘i Pacific (March 6), part of a three-hit, two-RBI contest … first career home run was against Hawai‘i Hilo (March 14) … .280 batting average in Big West Conference play was the highest on the team who had played in at least half of all conference games.

Graduate of Waiakea High School, class of 2020. 

Kelsie was a huge part of a 2019 BIIF Conference Championship team with Waiakea HS., Named to the 2020- All State Hawai‘i squad, while claiming BIIF First-Honors in both basketball and volleyball. 

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A five-year standout and Big West Winter Academic All-Conference honoree in 2024–25, she wrapped up her collegiate career ranked fifth in program history with 318 assists and second all-time with 136 games played.

As a senior, she played in 26 games with 10 starts—closing the season with eight consecutive starts—and scored in double figures four times during Big West play. She matched her career-high with 12 points twice and set a new personal best with nine made free throws. In 2023–24, she earned the team’s Most Improved Player award, led the team with 72 assists, and appeared in all 31 games. Her sophomore year saw her start 28 of 32 games at point guard, posting solid contributions across the board, including a season-high 10 points and a career-best three three-pointers. As a freshman, she played in every game and recorded back-to-back seasons of 68 assists.

In her COVID-impacted debut season, she was named to the Big West All-Freshman Team, leading the team in assists and recording a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Throughout her career, she was known for her consistency, leadership, and impact on both ends of the floor.

Waiakea High School - Class of 2027

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Tycen Baruela is an exceptional talent with two years of high school still ahead of him, yet he's already making waves as one of the top catchers in the state. As a freshman, he earned a spot in the postseason lineup for a tough Waiakea squad, and by his sophomore year, he secured the starting catcher role outright—no questions asked. A key piece of Waiakea’s 2025 BIIF championship team, Tycen was nearly flawless behind the plate, commanding the game with advanced instincts and a pop time ranging from 1.93 to 2.01 seconds. His defensive skills consistently kept runners honest, while his raw talent and feel for the game make it clear he’s Division I material. With years still left to grow, develop, and refine his already impressive game, Tycen is just getting started—and the ceiling is sky-high.

Analissa Paresa is Built Different.

She doesn’t just compete—she dominates, breaks records, and sets new standards.

From qualifying for state and regional gymnastics in 2019 and 2020 to taking flight in pole vault, her rise has been fueled by discipline and drive. In 2022, she broke the frosh/soph record, placed 2nd in BIIF, and 6th at States.

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By 2023, she was untouchable—winning every BIIF meet, setting stadium records at Waiākea and Keaʻau, and finishing as State Runner-Up.

Then came 2024. Analissa shattered stadium records statewide—including breaking her own at Waiākea—and claimed the State Championship.

Now at Linfield University, she’s already ranked 7th all-time and placed 3rd at her first conference championship.

More than medals, it’s her mindset that makes her a standout. Humble. Disciplined. Relentless.

Sophia Moniz, Class of 2028 out of Pahoa High School, made a powerful statement in her freshman year, earning BIIF Division II First Team honors—the only freshman to do so. Averaging an impressive 16 points per game, Sophia quickly established herself as one of the top young talents in the league. She helped carry her team for to the BIIF championship game, the schoolʻs first ever appearance and state berth. She was instrumental in her 1st season to create history for her school. Her standout season also earned her a coveted spot on Mufi Hannemann’s prestigious “Team Aloha,” a program that recognizes student-athletes not only for their basketball skill, but also for their academic excellence, strong moral character, and collegiate potential. With her talent, work ethic, and leadership, Sophia is already setting the tone for a bright future ahead.

CJ Haʻo, Class of 2026 out of Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, is a three-time BIIF champion whose dedication, discipline, and humility set him apart on and off the mat. He first claimed the BIIF title at 113 pounds, then went on to dominate the 120-pound division, becoming a two-time champion there—an impressive accomplishment that speaks to both his physical growth and technical mastery. Winning three consecutive BIIF titles across two weight classes is no easy feat, but CJ has done it with quiet determination and relentless work ethic. His humble nature, paired with his elite competitive mindset, makes him not only a standout wrestler but a respected role model among his peers. We’re excited to see how he continues to grow, succeed, and what the future will hold for him.

Laʻakolu came into the 2024 Next Generation Toughman Hawaii Season 2 with focus, fire, and something to prove—and he did just that. Competing in the 130–140 lb weight bracket, he went undefeated with three straight wins across the April, July, and October events. His performances earned him back-to-back Outstanding Performance awards in the first two events, and he closed out the season with Fight of the Night honors in October. His rise to the top was fast but well-earned, built on grit, discipline, and relentless work ethic. Outside the cage, Laʻakolu is just as impressive—a stand-up individual known for his honesty, humility, and dependability. Alongside his fight career, he also helps run his family’s business, showing the same drive and accountability in his daily work as he does in the ring. He’s not just a champion in competition, but a role model in life.

Keaau Baseball - Class of 2025 

Scott Ebesuno-Tahara stood out not just for his talent, but for his unwavering character and leadership. A true utility player from Keaʻau High School, Scott consistently brought heart, hustle, and a positive attitude to every game—regardless of the outcome. Even in a season where the stats might not have reflected success on paper, his impact was undeniable. He led by example, remained coachable, and kept his team focused and grounded. Scott’s skill set and work ethic were strong enough that he could have easily competed on some of the toughest teams in the league. Now, he’s taking that same drive and determination to the next level as he continues his athletic career at California Miramar University.

Hehiapono dominated the 150–160 lb weight bracket in the 2024 Next Generation Toughman Hawaii Season 2, earning a perfect 3–0 record with wins in April, July, and October. His April performance earned him an Outstanding Performance award, and he capped off the season with the prestigious Fighter of the Year award—recognizing his skill, heart, and presence throughout the year. Hehiapono’s success didn’t come overnight—it’s the result of hard work, consistency, and a deep sense of purpose. Much like his brother, Hehiapono brings more than just talent to the ring; he’s a man of integrity, loyalty, and strength of character. Outside of fighting, he helps operate the family’s business, showing up every day with the same discipline and reliability that fuels his success in competition. He’s a true example of what it means to lead by example—on every front.