Tevita Lavaka, a man of few words on the volleyball court because his game speaks for him.

Lavaka, lead the Konawaena Wildcats to its first Big Island Interscholastic Federation Championship. It was their first since 2016. The senior middle-blocker was the obvious choice for the Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II boys’ volleyball player of the year.

To claim the title, the Wildcats were a perfect 9-0 in BIIF play. This included sweeps over the Pahoa Daggers and the Hawaii Prep Ka Makana. Lavaka, who was Konawaena’s main threat, had 162 kills during the season. However, his greatest strength may have been the defensive side of the net.

Lavaka led the team in kills and had a record a team high 39 blocks. This included four against the Le Jardin Bulldogs at the Blaisdell Center in the team’s last game. This was the fifth-place match at the HHSAA state tourney.

The Wildcats did a fantastic job on Oahu at the state tournament. They went 2-1 to fifth place. Their only loss came against Pearl City, the eventual champions, in five exciting sets.

All-BIIF Boys’ Volleyball, Division II

Player of the year: Tevita Lavaka, Konawaena

Coach of the year: Kahea Rodrigues, Pahoa

First team

Jeremiah Becker 12 MB Christian Liberty

Laakea Kauka 12 MB/OH Kohala

Sam Landers 11 OH Hawaii Prep

Tevita Lavaka 12 MB Konawaena

Travis Nakamoto 10 S Konawaena

Exon Pimentero 12 OH Konawaena

Keliikoa Reyes-Naki 12 MB Kau

Second team

Aidan Allred 12 OH Konawaena

Jonathan Babino 12 MB Honokaa

Micah Espejo 12 Opp/MB Kau

Kailen Kamakeeaina 11 MB Pahoa

Christian Lee 11 OH Christian Liberty

Braeden Samura 12 MB Hawaii Prep

Bear Wawner 12 S Hawaii Prep

Honorable Mention

Christian Liberty: Judah Shrinski (MB); Caleb Vogt (OH)

Honokaa: Sherwin Acob (S); Mark Gelidon (L)

Kau: Kelson Gallano (S); Tyson Kuahuia-Faafia (MB/OH)

Konawaena: Mana Dias-Elderts (OPP); Fabian Ruiz (L); Pomai Santana-Keka (MB)

Pahoa: Christian Funes (L); Jheyden Haili (S); J-Boy Kaawaloa-Alidon (MB), Rafael Medina (OH); Uasi Tokelau (OH)