Twenty-eight years ago, 6-foot-4 University High sophomore Leroy Lutu dazzled Hawai'i basketball fans with his ability to swish 15-foot jumpers, score in the post with an array of unpredictable moves, soar for rebounds and dribble up the floor leading fast breaks — all with a fluid grace that seemed almost effortless.

No one else since has quite conjured up that same image in boys basketball, but Punahou sophomore Shawna-Lei Kuehu comes very close on the girls' side.

And like Lutu, Kuehu led her team to a state championship and has been named The Advertiser's State Player of the Year.

Kuehu, a 5-10 center, was the unanimous choice as the state's top player after a vote of eight panelists, including coaches, officials and members of the media from around the state.

"It's kind of scary that she's a sophomore," said former 'Aiea All-State guard and coach Fran Villarmia-Kahawai, after watching Kuehu score a record 37 points in the state championship game on May 19. "She'll be one of the best players in Hawai'i high school history."

In that game — a 61-39 victory over Roosevelt — Kuehu also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out three assists, made three steals and blocked two shots. She scored a record 16 points in the first period, had 25 points by halftime and 37 after three quarters.

Kuehu finished 16 of 23 from the field and 5 of 7 from the line.

For the season, she averaged 19.8 points, 11 rebounds, 3.5 steals, 2.2 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. Kuehu shot 52 percent from the field and 71 percent from the free-throw line.

Joining her on The Advertiser's All-State first team are Kamehameha senior guard Tatri Lorenzo, Honoka'a junior guard Keisha Kanekoa, Roosevelt senior forward Tati Beasley and Konawaena junior forward Jazzmin Awa-Williams.

Like Kuehu, Kanekoa and Awa-Williams were unanimous choices and repeat first-team selections.

Kanekoa, a 5-6 point guard, again showed her all-around talents and leadership despite struggling through poor shooting in the state tournament.

"She does so much for them," Punahou coach Mike Taylor said. "She sets the tempo and controls the game."

Kanekoa helped the Dragons win their first Big Island Interscholastic Federation title in five years and advance to the state semifinals for the second straight season. She scored nine points, grabbed eight rebounds and made four steals in a tough state quarterfinal victory over Kamehameha.

Kanekoa was named BIIF Player of the Year.

Awa-Williams, a 5-9 forward, led Konawaena to a fourth consecutive state semifinals appearance. She scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a state tournament first-round win over Kalaheo, then finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds and four steals and made all 11 of her foul shots the next night in a 47-33 quarterfinal victory over Lahainaluna.

Awa-Williams helped the Wildcats remain a state contender despite graduating two All-State performers (Nancy Hoist and Jessica Hanato) the past two seasons.

Lorenzo, a 5-5 wing, led Kamehameha to a surprising late season run to earn a state tournament berth and helped the Warriors advance to the quarterfinals.

Lorenzo scored 21 points as Kamehameha rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth period against Iolani for the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's second berth.

In the state tournament's first round against Radford, she scored 18 points, grabbed six rebounds and made three steals to help the Warriors win 48-28.

Beasley, a 5-6 power forward, was a force in helping Roosevelt win its first O'ahu Interscholastic Association championship since 1981 and reach the state title game for the first time.

She averaged 11.9 points per game in the regular and post-season, and came up big in some of the most crucial moments. Beasley scored 17 points, grabbed six rebounds and made two steals in a victory over Kalaheo that clinched the OIA East title.

She then tallied 15 points, 11 rebounds, one block and one steal in the league championship win over Kalaheo again.

In the state tournament, Beasley scored 14 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, had three assists and made one steal in a quarterfinal victory over Moanalua, then had 12 points and nine rebounds in a semifinal win over Honoka'a.

She edged sophomore teammate Iwalani Rodrigues for All-State first-team honors.

Taylor was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Buffanblu to their third state championship in four years. Punahou lost several key seniors from last season's team, including Advertiser State Player of the Year Shanna-Lei Dacanay.

"From where they started the season to where they finished, they came a long way," Kalaheo coach Chico Furtado said. "They struggled a bit in the beginning, but (Taylor) got them rolling and by the state tournament, they were like a machine."

Kamehameha's Clay Cockett and Roosevelt's Bobby Keanini also received consideration for Coach of the Year honors.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.