It was a historic year for Hawaii Preparatory Academy, with both the Ka Makani boys and girls bringing home the HHSAA Division II trophy back to the Big Island. It marked the first time any Division II school had swept
It was a historic year for Hawaii Preparatory Academy, with both the Ka Makani boys and girls bringing home the HHSAA Division II trophy back to the Big Island. It marked the first time any Division II school had swept the soccer championships in the same year.
For the boys, the title win on Oahu was the first in program history.
With such a dominating season, it is no surprise that the Hawaii Prep also dominated the 2016 All-BIIF team. Leading the team is Ka Makani senior forward Justin Perry, who was named Player of the Year in Division II.
“It is a real honor to be named Player of the Year, but I really want the glory to go to how well the team played together,” Perry said. “This honor is more of a testament to how the team did and how well I worked in the system we had in place.”
Hawaii Prep head coach Richard Braithwaite added that this is really a four year honor for Perry.
“He really deserves it because of his play and leadership the last four years,” Braithwaite said. “Justin is a hard working guy on the soccer field, on the football field and in the weight room. He was a captain both his junior and senior year and this year he had a pretty good season, but he really stepped up in the state tournament and seemed like a whole different player. I am incredibly proud of him.”
Braithwaite joined Perry with a top honor on the All-League list when he was named the DII Boys Coach of the Year.
“It is nice to hear about the honor because the boys had such a nice season and played great,” Braithwaite said. “Certainly, a huge part of the honor goes to my captains and assistant coaches.”
While Braithwaite was quick to give most of the recognition away to his players and assistant coaches, Perry saw it a little differently.
“He deserves every piece of recognition he gets,” Perry said. “I have never had a coach with so much passion and energy. What he brings to the table, I have not seen from anyone else.”
Ka Makani had seven players named to the first team. Joining Perry on the list were goalkeeper Trent Wise, defenders Dylan Ryan and Alex Brost, midfielder’s Austin Schneider and Braden Kojima, and forward Zen Simone. Midfielder Sihkea Jim was named to the second team.
All seven members were instrumental in helping Hawaii Prep get over the hurdle that was Kamehameha-Hawaii in the championship game. Heading into the playoffs, Ka Makani had lost their three previous meetings to the Warriors, including a 2-1 loss during the regular season, which was the only blemish on an outstanding 16-1-1 record.
Perry knew just how important it was to face, and beat the Warriors in the title game.
“To be the best team in the state we had to avenge our loss,” Perry said after winning the championship. “We have been building this team and it finally came together. This win means the world and it is indescribably how I feel.”
In the championship game, Perry showed why he was named Player of the Year, picking up two assists in a 3-1 victory.
Hawaii Prep took a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute when Perry dribbled into the box and beat a Warriors double team. He drew out the Kamehameha keeper and then passed over to Simone, who was waiting just outside the six. A first time captain, Simone, turned and used his knee to push the ball into the net.
“Zen was one of our most consistent attacking players,” Braithwaite said. “He is an energetic guy up top with a very positive attitude.”
Less than two minutes later Perry set up the second score when he passed to Schneider from just outside the 18. In one fluid motion, Schneider took the pass and sent a bullet past the Kamehameha keeper.
“Every attacking opportunity came through Austin and he led the team in goals and assists this year,” Braithwaite said. “His main goal this year was to improve his defense and that was one of our biggest strengths. He works hard every single day in the offseason.”
All-BIIF second teamer, Jim, scored the final goal for Ka Makani. A 14-year-old freshman, Braithwaite sees him as the future of the program
“He is really impressive and will be running the show for a few years,” Braithwaite said. “He is a smart, talented, and very kind player.”
While the offense drew the attention during the playoff run, an offense without a defense cannot thrive. Hawaii Prep had a wall in the backfield, led by Wise, who allowed only one goal in the title game.
“He will probably be our biggest loss because it is impossible to replace a four year starter in goal,” Braithwaite said. “He had a good season and a great state tournament.”
Brost and Ryan also stood out defensively.
“Alex was our top defender. You never had to worry about him back there. He was a calm, patient and smart,” Braithwaite said. “Dylan was an incredibly consistent defender with a positive attitude. He will be missed as much for his play as he will be for his general attitude.”
While both the offense and the defense played well, what exactly connected them to each other on the pitch? According to Braithwaite, it was Kojima. His play in the midfield allowed Hawaii Prep’s 4-3-3 formation to run smoothly.
“Braden is the brains of the team,” Braithwaite said. “Everything we did tactically was because of him. He connected the back to the midfield and the midfield to up top. He is a student of the game, a really good leader, and will probably be a captain next year.”
Looking back on the season, with some time to reflect, Braithwaite said that the consistency and the work rate throughout the year will be what he will remember the most.
“We started talking and working in the spring and started the season in November,” Braithwaite said. “We went to Phoenix for Christmas break and played four scrimmages against Kealakehe. We set a lot of little goals and achieved them all. I was impressed with the leadership, consistency and work throughout the year by the entire team.”
