Enriques flashes versatility in KS-Hawaii's Friday win


Sophomore Avery Enriques recorded seven kills, eight digs and 11 assists in the Warriors' quarterfinal win over Punahou II. Amber Popovich | Special to SL

Although long time Kamehameha-Hawaii standout Evan Enriques has gone on to play for Stanford, his younger brothers are shouldering the load for a young Warriors team.

Kamehameha-Hawaii swept Punahou's Division II team, 25-9, 25-19, to advance to the semifinal round of the eight annual Hawaii Boys Volleyball Invitational.

The Warriors were led by sophomore Avery Enriques, who notched seven kills, eight digs, and 11 assists in the win. Enriques, the team's primary setter last season, has really come into his own as an outside hitter.

"I improved a lot this year," he said. "Normally I would just sit back and set, but I worked hard on my hitting."

"He stepped up big time in the hitting category," added Kamehameha-Hawaii coach and father Guy Enriques. "He's really wanting to do some good things this year. He's very focused right now."

Enriques is one of three brothers that are currently on this year's Kamehameha-Hawaii squad. The eldest of the three, Emmett recorded six kills and six digs on the win. Addison Enriques, the twin brother of Avery, added four digs.

Emmett Enriques, a 6-foot senior outside hitter, has signed his letter of intent to play at Cal-Baptist as a libero. Coach Enriques said that Emmett Enriques is still nursing an ankle injury and is not at full strength.

"Once he gets into his game, you'll see a whole different team out there," said coach Enriques. "Emmett has got game, he's just been in a lull right now. When he returns to us at full strength, I think you'll see a different level to this team."

The Warriors are also relatively young this year. There are only three seniors listed on their 16-man roster. Nine sophomores and four juniors make up the rest of the squad.

"We've got a good solid bunch of young sophomores," said coach Enriques. "They're making a lot of contributions to this group. We have a deep bench because of our young guys that are stepping up."

Sophomore Kainalu Whitney finished with a match-high eight kills for the Warriors. Juniors Isaiah Tauati, Isaiah Laeha and Hanale Lee Loy combined for eight more kills. Sophomore setter Naia Makuakane had eight assists and senior libero Kekaulike Alameda notched nine digs.



Reach Michael Lasquero at [email protected].