Even coming off two consecutive State Player of the Year and state championship seasons, Kamehameha senior Kanani Herring flew higher than ever before.

Herring, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter, capped a brilliant high school career by leading the Warriors to their third straight state title and again was the obvious choice for Advertiser State Player of the Year after consultation with longtime coaches.

Herring already had established herself as the state's best player in 2005 and 2006, but she took her game to a higher level in 2007.

Herring displayed the same explosive leaping ability and powerful arm swing as before, but she became even more accurate with her attacks by reading blocks effectively and placing her shots at specific locations. She also mixed up her spike velocity and was a dangerous hitter from the back row and on jump serves.

In a winner-take-all match against 'Iolani for the Interscholastic League of Honolulu championship, Herring scored many of her match-high 15 kills on her trademark powerful rocket spikes, but also added several tips and off-speed shots that landed in strategic areas.

" 'Iolani is a big team, especially compared to teams they've had in the past," said Kamehameha coach Chris Blake, a former Raiders assistant. "We had to make adjustments, and Kanani played smart and executed those changes."

Herring is joined on the Advertiser All-State team by two teammates from a squad that finished the season No. 4 in www.prepvolleyball.com's final Top 100 national rankings.

Middle blocker Bekah Torres, a 5-10 senior, joins Herring as a three-time first-team selection. She was a steady force in the Warriors' front row and also stayed in the lineup as an effective defender, server and passer in the back row.

Outside hitter Jordan Meredith, a 6-foot senior, might have been the state's most improved player. She had shown glimpses of being a dominant attacker the past two seasons, but became a very consistent hitter this season who added another constant threat for opponents to contend with.

"Jordan really blossomed this season," Blake said. "She had a great year."

The three Warriors are joined on the All-State first team by Moanalua senior outside hitter Kaleinani Kabalis, Punahou junior outside hitter Anuhea Keanini, 'Iolani senior outside hitter Leinani Keanini, Punahou senior libero Sydney Yogi and 'Iolani sophomore setter Malie Yoon.

Kabalis, another three-time first-team selection, was probably the state's most exciting and dynamic all-around player. At 5-7, she still soared above opposing blocks and smashed surprisingly powerful spikes.

But she also displayed advanced skills in blocking, passing, serving, digging and even setting, many times in spectacular fashion.

Kabalis' leadership also helped Na Menehune capture their first O'ahu Interscholastic Association championship since 2000.

The Keanini sisters were dynamic, emotional leaders for their teams.

Anuhea Keanini (5-6) helped the Buffanblu absorb the graduation loss of two All-State, NCAA Division I hitters and led Punahou to another state semifinal appearance. Leinani (5-7) led 'Iolani to a stunning upset of Kamehameha and the ILH regular season title.

Both were powerful hitters who played much bigger than their listed heights.

Yogi, a repeat first-team selection, was a defensive demon in the back row and covered much of the court. At 5 feet 2, she could influence a match by keeping many potential kills by opponents alive for her team to convert into points of their own.

Yoon (5-8) replaced four-year starter Kapua Kamana'o and improved dramatically by season's end. She spread sets to various attackers, keeping opponents guessing and providing clearer alleys for her hitters.

'Iolani's Jenic Tumaneng was named Coach of the Year after guiding a young team to the ILH regular season title and the state championship match. Their only three losses came to Kamehameha, and they were the only Hawai'i team to defeat the Warriors.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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