All-Hawaii Division I pitcher Ian Kahaloa and Kamehameha-Hawaii outfielder Kobi Candaroma each said he has given a verbal commitment to play baseball at the University of Hawaii-Manoa. ScoringLive photo illustration

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ScoringLive All-Hawaii Division I pitcher Ian Kahaloa and Kamehameha-Hawaii outfielder Kobi Candaroma each said he has given a verbal commitment to play baseball at the University of Hawaii-Manoa.

Kahaloa, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound  right-handed pitcher, was 6-1 with an ERA of 1.04. In 40 1/3 innings, he allowed 20 hits and eight walks with 54 strikeouts. He struck out 16 in nine innings to beat Kaiser during the Oahu Interscholastic Association semifinals last season.

"This is a pitcher's field, that's why," said Kahaloa of his decision, referencing the pitcher-friendly Les Murakami Stadium at Sunday's Hawaii Fall Showcase.

Kahaloa, the state's top prospect, said he also had offers from Arizona State and Kansas, as well as a number of junior colleges.

Candaroma, a switch-hitting, left-handed throwing outfielder, said he was offered a scholarship by UH when he was at Sunday's showcase and accepted it on the spot.

"Playing for UH is like playing for (the state of) Hawaii," he said. "Even though I'm from the Big Island, I'm still playing for Hawaii."

Both players attended the Arizona Senior Fall Classic last month. Kahaloa drew rave reviews and was featured in an article by Baseball America Online, which reported some 60 scouts watching him pitch. Kahaloa said his fastball touched 95 mph and sat in the 91-92 mph range.

Both players said they will sign their letters-of-intent on Nov. 12.

Also making an impression in Arizona was Kahaloa's teammate, Zachary Kila Kapihe, who pitched and played third base for the Sabers. He was a second-team All-Hawaii selection last season.

Kahaloa and Kapihe were invited to Perfect Game WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fla., Oct. 23 to 27. They were the only players from Hawaii to be invited.

What drew scouts' attention about Kapihe was that he touched 93 mph in Arizona, despite his 5-8, 195-pound stature. He said he was offered a scholarship to pitch for UH, but has yet to make a verbal commitment.