Capping a brilliant four-year basketball career, 'Aiea senior Natasha Helsham was named O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference Western Division Player of the Year after a recent vote of league coaches.

Helsham, a 5-8 guard, was Na Ali'i's primary ball-handler and scorer. She helped 'Aiea win the OIA Red West championship with a 10-2 record.

In a midseason performance demonstrating her all-around contributions, Helsham scored 16 points, grabbed nine rebounds, made eight steals, dished out seven assists and blocked two shots in a victory over Pearl City.

She also scored 18 points against Campbell and helped 'Aiea secure the West Division's only state tournament berth.

Helsham was named to the Red West all-star first team for the third consecutive season, following a freshman year in which she was selected to the OIA White Conference all-star first team.

Helsham has made a verbal commitment to play for the University of Idaho next season on full scholarship. She will join 2008 Punahou graduate Shaena-Lyn Kuehu and Waiakea senior Kanisha Bello on the Vandals roster.

She is joined on the OIA Red West all-star first team by Pearl City junior Jordan Ahakuelo, Radford senior Bui Baravilala, Mililani senior Chelsea Basilio and Campbell senior Oli Kila.

Mililani's Pat Basilio was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Trojans to a runner-up finish in the division.

Read his blog on high school sports at http://preptalk.honadvblogs.com.