Nomura answered call for Punahou
By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Facing the daunting era of "PKT" — "Post-Kuehu Twins" — Punahou senior Janelle Nomura stepped up this season and led the Buffanblu to yet another Interscholastic League of Honolulu girls basketball championship anyway.
ILH coaches recognized the effort by naming her the league's Most Valuable Player.
Nomura, a 5-foot-4 senior, took on the duty of primary ball-handler and scorer in leading Punahou to an 11-1 ILH record and its seventh league crown in eight years despite the graduation of All-State twins Shawna-Lei and Shaena-Lyn Kuehu.
Shawna-Lei Kuehu was a two-time Advertiser State Player of the Year, and Shaena-Lyn Kuehu is now playing at the University of Idaho, where she was named to the Western Athletic Conference's All-Freshman Team.
Nomura had 17 points — including three 3-pointers — in a key victory over 'Iolani, avenging the Buffanblu's only regular-season loss. She also took on the leadership role for a team made up mostly of underclassmen.
Nomura has signed a national letter of intent to play for Cal State Northridge.
Nomura is joined on the ILH all-star first team by Mid-Pacific Institute senior Johnelle Kapua, Sacred Hearts senior Raecha-Ann Kauahikaua, Punahou senior Tressa Torres, Kamehameha senior Lindsey Wong and 'Iolani junior Lori Yamashita.
Kapua, a guard, was named to the all-star first team for the third straight year and is the only repeat selection.
Punahou's Mike Taylor is Coach of the Year.
Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.